(192 days)
The PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit is indicated for over-the-counter home use, by individuals who have been unable to conceive through intercourse or have chosen not to conceive through intercourse, for semen collection and the delivery of semen to the vaginal canal. The PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit should be used during the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle.
The PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit is a sterile, over-the-counter (OTC) medical device intended for intravaginal insemination (IVI) at home. It consists of three sets of sterile, single-use, plastic syringes and semen collection cups, and Instructions for Use. The collection cup is used to hold and contain the sperm and work in conjunction with the syringe when it is time to transfer the syringe. The syringe is used to withdraw the semen from the collection cup and deploy the semen intravaginally.
The provided text details the 510(k) submission for the PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit and includes non-clinical and clinical performance data. However, it does not describe an AI/algorithm-based medical device. Therefore, the questions related to AI device performance metrics, algorithm-specific ground truth establishment, MRMC studies, and effect sizes are not applicable to this document. The document focuses on the physical device's performance, user comprehension, and biocompatibility.
I will provide information based on the available text relevant to the device's acceptance criteria and the studies performed.
Here's an analysis of the acceptance criteria and study information provided for the PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit:
1. A table of acceptance criteria and the reported device performance
The document provides acceptance criteria for various non-clinical tests and a target threshold for clinical (user comprehension) studies.
| Test Category | Specific Test / Metric | Acceptance Criteria | Reported Device Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biocompatibility | Cytotoxicity, Sensitization, Vaginal Irritation | Non-irritating, non-sensitizing | Demonstrated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. |
| Sterilization | Sterilization Assurance Level (SAL) | 10⁻⁶ | Achieved 10⁻⁶ SAL. |
| Transport Testing | Ability to withstand shipping rigors | Demonstrated per ASTM D4169-22 | Demonstrated ability to withstand shipping rigors. |
| Shelf-Life | Overall shelf-life | 5 years | Study conducted to 5-year shelf-life (accelerated aging). |
| Packaging Integrity | Maintain sterile barrier (Seal strength, integrity, width, bubble leak) | Meet specified standards (ASTM F88/F88M-15, F1886/F1886M-16, F2203-13, F2096-11) | Verification performed using the specified ASTM methods. (Implied successful, as it supports substantial equivalence). |
| Functional Testing (Syringe) | Visual inspection, Dimensional inspection, Freedom from liquid leakage, Force to operate piston, Fit of plunger stopper | Meet specified standards (ISO 7886-1:2017 clauses) | Functional testing conducted on new and aged devices. (Implied successful, as it supports substantial equivalence). |
| Functional Testing (Collection Cup) | Visual inspection, Dimensional inspection | Not explicitly stated, but implied to meet functional requirements | Functional testing conducted on new and aged devices. (Implied successful, as it supports substantial equivalence). |
| Human Sperm Survival Assay (HSSA) | Syringe and cup materials not sperm-toxic; control motility at 24 hours | ≥80% of control motility at 24 hours | Syringes and collection cups shown to meet the HSSA acceptance specification (≥80% of control motility at 24 hours) at all time points assessed. |
| Self-Selection Study | Ability of users to determine if they should use the product based on label | Not explicitly stated, but high success desired | 98.9% (86 of 87) of all study participants successfully determined product suitability. 97.0% (33/34) success for those with low health literacy. |
| Labeling Comprehension Study | Understanding of product label by users (all questions) | ≥90% correct answers (comprehensive set of questions) | All questions answered correctly by at least 90% of study participants (range 95-100%). At least 90% of low health literacy participants answered correctly (range 91-100%). Target threshold of at least 90% success was met. |
2. Sample sized used for the test set and the data provenance
- Self-Selection Study:
- Sample Size: 87 biological female participants (47 contraindicated, 40 non-contraindicated).
- Data Provenance: The participants were stated to be "representative of the U.S. demographic." The study appears to be a prospective design, as participants actively determined utility based on provided labeling.
- Labeling Comprehension Study:
- Sample Size: 164 biological female participants.
- Data Provenance: The participants were stated to be "representative of the U.S. demographic." The study appears to be a prospective design, as participants actively answered questions based on reviewing the labeling.
3. Number of experts used to establish the ground truth for the test set and the qualifications of those experts
This information is not applicable as the studies described (Self-Selection and Labeling Comprehension) do not involve expert-established ground truth in the context of diagnostic interpretation (e.g., radiology). Instead, the "ground truth" for these studies is the correct understanding or appropriate self-selection based on the device's labeling and intended use, which is assessed directly from user responses in a controlled study environment.
4. Adjudication method for the test set
This information is not applicable. Adjudication methods like 2+1 or 3+1 are typically used in image interpretation studies where multiple readers assess cases and disagreements need to be resolved to establish a robust ground truth. The studies here are user comprehension and self-selection studies, where participant responses are directly evaluated against predefined correct answers based on the device's instruction for use.
5. If a multi-reader multi-case (MRMC) comparative effectiveness study was done, If so, what was the effect size of how much human readers improve with AI vs without AI assistance
This information is not applicable. The device is an at-home insemination kit, not an AI-assisted diagnostic tool or system designed to improve human reader performance. Therefore, an MRMC study and AI-related effect sizes are irrelevant to this submission.
6. If a standalone (i.e. algorithm only without human-in-the loop performance) was done
This information is not applicable. As previously stated, this is a physical medical device and not an AI algorithm.
7. The type of ground truth used
For the clinical studies (Self-Selection and Labeling Comprehension), the "ground truth" was established by the correct answers based on the official Instructions for Use and device labeling. For instance, a correct understanding of a warning or an accurate self-determination of whether the kit is indicated for them. This is a form of definitive outcome based on regulatory and instructional content, not a medical "pathology" or "outcome data" in the traditional sense.
For the non-clinical tests (biocompatibility, sterilization, functional testing, HSSA), the "ground truth" or standard of success was adherence to established international and FDA-recognized standards and predefined specifications (e.g., ISO, ASTM standards, specified motility percentages).
8. The sample size for the training set
This information is not applicable. "Training set" refers to data used to train an AI algorithm. This device is not an AI algorithm.
9. How the ground truth for the training set was established
This information is not applicable. This device is not an AI algorithm.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA text logo on the right. The text logo has the FDA acronym in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
December 14, 2023
PherDal Fertility Science, Inc. % Rhonda Alexander Sr. Consultant, Regulatory Strategy IUVO Consulting, LLC P.O. Box 56436 Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Re: K231645
Trade/Device Name: PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit Regulation Number: 21 CFR§ 884.6110 Regulation Name: Assisted Reproduction Catheters Regulatory Class: II Product Code: QYZ Dated: November 13, 2023 Received: November 13, 2023
Dear Rhonda Alexander:
We have reviewed your section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database available at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30. Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90. Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
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For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See
the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Michael T. Bailey -S
For
Monica D. Garcia, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT3B: Division of Reproductive. Gynecology and Urology Devices OHT3: Office of GastroRenal, ObGyn, General Hospital and Urology Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K231645
Device Name PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit
Indications for Use (Describe)
The PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit is indicated for over-the-counter home use, by individuals who have been unable to conceive through intercourse or have chosen not to conceive through intercourse, for semen collection and the delivery of semen to the vaginal canal. The PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit should be used during the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|---|---|
| ------------------------------------------------- | -- |
| | Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
X Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for PherDal Fertility Science, Inc. The word "PherDal" is written in a stylized font, with a DNA helix graphic incorporated into the design. Below the name, the words "FERTILITY SCIENCE, INC." are written in smaller, all-caps letters.
510(k) Summary K231645
Date Prepared: December 11, 2023
I. SUBMITTER
PherDal Fertility Science, Inc. 405 W 2nd St, Unit 1141 Dixon, IL 61021 USA
Contact Person:
Jennifer D. Westphal, Ph.D. CEO and Founder 405 W 2nd St, Unit 1141 Dixon, IL 61021 USA Phone: (872) 216-8330 Email: Support@PherDal.com
II. SUBMISSION CORRESPONDENT
Rhonda Alexander, DSL IUVO Consulting, LLC PO Box 56436 Virginia Beach, VA 23456 United States
(757) 582-4337 (direct) Phone: (202) 792-8344 (office) E-mail: ralexander(@juvoconsulting.com
III. DEVICE
| Name of Device: | PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit |
|---|---|
| Common Name: | At Home Intravaginal Insemination System |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 884.6110 |
| Classification Name: | Assisted Reproduction Catheters |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II |
| Product Code: | QYZ (At Home Intravaginal Insemination System) |
IV. PREDICATE DEVICE
Insemi-Cath® Intrauterine Insemination Catheter (K172321)
This predicate device has not been subject to a design-related recall.
V. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit is a sterile, over-the-counter (OTC) medical device intended for intravaginal insemination (IVI) at home. It consists of three sets of sterile, single-use, plastic syringes and semen collection cups, and Instructions for Use. The collection cup is used to hold and contain the sperm and work in
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image is a logo for PherDal Fertility Science, Inc. The word "PherDal" is written in a stylized font in purple. The letters are connected and have rounded edges. To the right of the "r" is a graphic of a DNA double helix in light blue and white. Below the word "PherDal" is the phrase "FERTILITY SCIENCE, INC." in a smaller, sans-serif font.
conjunction with the syringe when it is time to transfer the syringe. The syringe is used to withdraw the semen from the collection cup and deploy the semen intravaginally.
VI. INDICATIONS FOR USE
The PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit is indicated for over-the-counter home use, by individuals who have been unable to conceive through intercourse or have chosen not to conceive through intercourse, for semen collection and the delivery of semen to the vaginal canal. The PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit should be used during the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle.
VII.COMPARISON OF INTENDED USE AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
| Comparison Item | Subject DeviceK231645 | Predicate DeviceK172321 | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indications for Use | The PherDal® At-Home InseminationKit is indicated for over-the-counterhome use, by individuals who have beenunable to conceive through intercourseor have chosen not to conceive throughintercourse, for semen collection and thedelivery of semen to the vaginal canal.The PherDal® At-Home InseminationKit should be used during the ovulatoryphase of the menstrual cycle. | Intrauterine Insemination Cathetersare used for the introduction ofwashed spermatozoa into the uterinecavity. | Different |
| Intended Environmentfor Use | Over-the-counter use | Prescription use | Different |
| InseminationProcedure | Intravaginal insemination | Intrauterine insemination | Different |
| DeviceComponents/Materials | Collection Cup: PolystyrenePlunger: Polycarbonate, ABS Blend,Thermoplastic ElastomerSyringe Body: Polystyrene | Insemi-Cath®: Nylon, Silicone | Different |
| Sterility | Sterile | Sterile | Same |
| Single Use | Yes | Yes | Same |
The subject and predicate devices have differences in their indications for use statements, as the PherDal At-Home Insemination Kit is for delivery of semen to the vagina, while the predicate device is for delivery of washed spermatozoa to the uterine cavity. In addition, the PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit is for OTC home use, while the predicate is a prescription use device for use in a clinical setting. The differences between the indications for use for the two devices do not represent a new intended use as both devices are intended to deliver sperm to the female reproductive tract as an aid to conception.
The subject and predicate devices have differences in technological characteristics, including device components, type of procedure, environment of use, materials, and sterility, as shown above. These differences do not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness.
VIII. NON-CLINICAL PERFORMANCE DATA
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
Biocompatibility Testing
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image is a logo for PherDal Fertility Science, Inc. The word "PherDal" is written in a stylized font, with the "D" incorporating a DNA helix design. Below the name, the words "FERTILITY SCIENCE, INC." are written in a smaller, sans-serif font. The logo is clean and professional, suggesting a focus on scientific and medical services.
Biocompatibility testing was performed in accordance with the 2020 FDA guidance document. Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process," as follows:
- Cytotoxicity per ISO 10993-5:2009
- Sensitization per ISO 10993-10:2010
- . Vaginal irritation per ISO 10993-23:2021
The results of testing demonstrated that the subject device is non-irritating, and non-sensitizing.
Sterilization Validation
The subject devices are gamma irradiation sterilization process and validation methods were done in accordance with ISO 11137-1:2006 and ISO 11137-2:2013, and the 2016 FDA guidance document, Submission and Review of Sterility Information in Premarket Notification (510(k)) Submissions for Devices Labeled as Sterile. The sterilization assurance level of the subject device is 10-6.
Transport Testing
Simulated transport testing was conducted to demonstrate the ability of device packaging to withstand the rigors of shipping per the 2016 FDA guidance document, Submission and Review of Sterility Information in Premarket Notification (510(k)) Submissions for Devices Labeled as Sterile. Testing was performed in accordance with ASTM D4169-22.
Shelf Life
A shelf-life study was conducted on test articles that were newly manufactured and aged under accelerated conditions to the end of the five-year shelf-life, per ASTM F1980-21. Specifications assessed in support of the device shelf-life include the following, which are further described below:
- Packaging Integrity Testing
- Functional Testing
- . Human Sperm Survival Assay (HSSA)
Packaging Integrity Testing
Verification of the ability of device packaging to maintain a sterile barrier over the five-year shelf-life of the device was assessed using the following methods:.
- Seal strength testing per ASTM F88/F88M-15
- Seal integrity testing per ASTM F1886/F1886M-16
- Seal width test per ASTM F2203-13 (Reapproved 2022)
- . Bubble leak testing per ASTM F2096-11 (Reapproved 2019)
Functional Testing
Functional testing on the PherDal syringe and collection cup was conducted on newly manufactured devices and devices at the end of shelf-life.
The tests for the syringe, developed based on ISO 7886-1:2017, include:
- . Visual inspection (clause 6.1)
- Dimensional inspection (clauses 10.1 and 11.1)
- Freedom from liquid leakage past plunger stopper (clause 13.2)
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- Force to operate the piston (clause 13.3),
- Fit of plunger stopper/plunger in barrel (clause 13.4)
The tests for the collection cup include:
- Visual inspection ●
- . Dimensional inspection
Human Sperm Survival Assay (HSSA)
HSSA was conducted on the syringe and collection cup to demonstrate that the syringe and cup materials are not sperm-toxic. The HSSA was conducted on newly manufactured devices at the end of shelf-life.
Syringes and collection cups were shown to meet the HSSA acceptance specification (≥80% of control motility at 24 hours) at all time points assessed.
IX. CLINICAL PERFORMANCE DATA
Self-Selection Study
A self-selection study for the PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit assessed whether potential users could accurately determine if they should use the product or not based on the box label. The study consisted of eightyseven (87) biological female participants: forty-seven (47) contraindicated female participants and forty (40) noncontraindicated female participants varied in age (18-44), ethnicity, and English health literacy level [as determined by the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) test). The participants were representative of the U.S. demographic and the intended use population. Additionally, all participants reported that they were attempting to conceive and had varying degree of comfort/experience in using and inserting devices into the vagina. The study results showed that 98.9% (86 of 87) of all study participants were able to successfully determine whether the PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit was intended for them or not based on the information on the labeling. Also, those with low health literacy had 97.0% (33/34) success in correctly identifying if the product was intended for them or not.
In summary participants in the self-selection study were able to identify the following information on the box label:
- Who the kit is indicated/intended for
- . Whether it is acceptable for them to use the product (and why or why not)
- Who should not use the kit
- When the kit should not be used (i.e., warnings, precautions)
- . What the product acknowledges that it does not do
Labeling Comprehension Study
A labeling comprehension study assessed whether potential users could adequately understand how to successfully use the PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit based on the box label and the Instructions for Use. The target threshold was for greater than or equal to 90% of study participants to be able to understand the product label as determined by a comprehensive set of knowledge questions). The study enrolled 164 biological female participants. All participants varied in age (>18 years old), gender, ethnicity, English health literacy level [as determined by the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) test], and had varying degree of comfort/experience in using and inserting devices into the vagina. The participants were representative of the U.S. demographic and the intended use population.
Participants were asked to review the box label and Instructions for Use and advised in a self-directed manner to answer the series of 65 questions about the information in the labeling that assessed the following:
- Understanding the intended use of the device ●
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Image /page/8/Picture/1 description: The image is a logo for PherDal Fertility Science, Inc. The word "PherDal" is written in a purple, rounded font, with a DNA strand graphic in teal and blue between the "r" and "D". Below the name is the text "FERTILITY SCIENCE, INC." in a smaller, sans-serif font.
- Understanding when and how to use the device ●
- Understanding Warnings and Precautions
- Understanding how to store the device ●
- Understanding how long the semen sample can be used after collection .
- Understanding what not to do after filling the syringe until the syringe is fully inserted in the vagina
- Understanding what the female recipient should do after the insemination procedure
- Understanding not to use the device after the expiration date or if the packaging is damaged
- . Understanding that the device does not guarantee pregnancy or treat infertility
- Understanding how long to use the device without successful results before contacting a physician ●
Results: All questions were answered correctly by at least 90% of study participants (range 95-100%). Additionally, at least 90% participants with low health literacy were able to correctly answer the label comprehension questions as well (range 91-100%). None of the participants stated difficulty in understanding the answers to any of the questions. Therefore, the target threshold of at least 90% success of the label comprehension study for the PherDal® At-Home Insemination Kit was met.
X. CONCLUSIONS
The results of the performance testing supports a determination of substantial equivalence of the subject device to the predicate device, OTC use of the device, and do not raise any new questions of the safety or effectiveness.
§ 884.6110 Assisted reproduction catheters.
(a)
Identification. Assisted reproduction catheters are devices used in in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), or other assisted reproduction procedures to introduce or remove gametes, zygote(s), preembryo(s), and/or embryo(s) into or from the body. This generic type of device may include catheters, cannulae, introducers, dilators, sheaths, stylets, and component parts.(b)
Classification. Class II (special controls) (mouse embryo assay information, endotoxin testing, sterilization validation, design specifications, labeling requirements, biocompatibility testing, and clinical testing).