(49 days)
VersaCoat Tendon Protector is indicated for the management and protection of tendon injuries in which there has been no substantial loss of tendon tissue. The device may also be used to manage and protect surrounding tissues such as ligament and skeletal muscle. In these procedures, the device may encounter implanted structures such as anchors, grafts, staples, or sutures.
VersaCoat Tendon Protector is an absorbable implant (device) designed to function as a gelatinous interface between an injured tendon and surrounding tissues, providing a non-constricting, protective encasement for injured tendons. VersaCoat Tendon Protector consists of a Hydrogel Pellet and Wetting Solution. The Pellet is a hollow, cylindrical hydrogel of alginate and hyaluronic acid. The Pellet is easy to handle and is designed for quick hydration with the Wetting Solution. The Pellet is supplied sterile, non-pyrogenic, for single use, in double peel pouches. The Wetting Solution hydrates the Pellet, rendering a viscous, flowable, tissue-adherent gel. The Wetting Solution is aqueous citrate and is provided in a dropper packaged in a double peel pouch. The Wetting Solution is sterile, non-pyrogenic, and is intended for single use only. A sterile container (dual syringe system) is offered and may be used to facilitate hydration of the Pellet with Wetting Solution.
The provided FDA 510(k) Clearance Letter for the VersaCoat Tendon Protector (K251655) does not describe a study involving an AI/Machine Learning device. Instead, it concerns a physical medical device (surgical mesh) and its performance, safety, and equivalence to a predicate device.
Therefore, I cannot provide information on acceptance criteria and study details related to an AI/Machine Learning device based on this document. The document details non-clinical laboratory tests for the physical properties and biocompatibility of the surgical mesh.
Specifically, the document implies that "studies" refer to bench testing and biocompatibility assessments of the physical device, not an AI model.
Summary of Information that CANNOT be Extracted for an AI/ML Device:
- A table of acceptance criteria and the reported device performance for an AI/ML model: The document outlines functional and safety testing for a surgical mesh, including visual inspection, dimensional/weight measurements, gel integrity, handling, tissue adherence, conformance, and biocompatibility. These are not performance metrics for an AI/ML algorithm.
- Sample sizes used for the test set and data provenance: Not applicable to a physical device.
- Number of experts used to establish ground truth & qualifications: Not applicable to a physical device.
- Adjudication method: Not applicable to a physical device.
- Multi-Reader Multi-Case (MRMC) comparative effectiveness study: Not applicable. The device is a surgical mesh, not an AI tool assisting human readers.
- Standalone (algorithm only) performance: Not applicable.
- Type of ground truth used (expert consensus, pathology, outcomes data, etc.): Ground truth, in the context of an AI model, refers to the definitive correct answer against which the AI's predictions are compared. For a physical device like surgical mesh, "ground truth" relates to measurable physical and biological properties.
- Sample size for the training set: Not applicable to a physical device.
- How ground truth for the training set was established: Not applicable to a physical device.
The document focuses on demonstrating substantial equivalence based on:
- Intended Use/Indications for Use: Managing and protecting tendon injuries.
- Materials of Construction: Alginate and hyaluronic acid hydrogel.
- Operating Principle: Providing a gliding surface and physical separation of damaged tissues.
- Fundamental Scientific Technology: Bioabsorbable hydrogel.
- Performance: Assessed through bench testing (visual inspection, dimensions, gel integrity, handling, tissue adherence/conformance) and biocompatibility testing (cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, genotoxicity, subchronic toxicity, muscle implantation toxicity).
In conclusion, this FDA clearance letter is for a physical medical device (surgical mesh) and does not contain the information requested about an AI/Machine Learning device's acceptance criteria or study methodologies.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 510(k) Clearance Letter
Page 1
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
Doc ID # 04017.08.00
July 18, 2025
Alafair Biosciences
Sarah Mayes
Chief Scientific Officer
6101 W Courtyard Dr
Ste 1-225
Austin, Texas 78730
Re: K251655
Trade/Device Name: VersaCoat Tendon Protector (VTP-44G2); VersaCoat Tendon Protector (VTP12G1)
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.3300
Regulation Name: Surgical Mesh
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: OWW
Dated: May 30, 2025
Received: May 30, 2025
Dear Sarah Mayes:
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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K251655 - Sarah Mayes
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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 (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-reporting-combination-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.
All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rule"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system.
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-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/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
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K251655 - Sarah Mayes
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the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/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,
CHRISTOPHER FERREIRA -S
Christopher Ferreira, M.S.
Assistant Director
DHT6C: Division of Restorative,
Repair, and Trauma Devices
OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Indications for Use
| Please type in the marketing application/submission number, if it is known. This textbox will be left blank for original applications/submissions. | K251655 |
|---|
Please provide the device trade name(s).
VersaCoat Tendon Protector (VTP-44G2);
VersaCoat Tendon Protector (VTP-12G1)
Please provide your Indications for Use below.
VersaCoat Tendon Protector is indicated for the management and protection of tendon injuries in which there has been no substantial loss of tendon tissue. The device may also be used to manage and protect surrounding tissues such as ligament and skeletal muscle. In these procedures, the device may encounter implanted structures such as anchors, grafts, staples, or sutures.
Please select the types of uses (select one or both, as applicable).
☑ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
VersaCoat Tendon Protector
K251655
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510(k) Summary
K#251655
Prepared on: July 14, 2025
Contact Details
Submitted by: Alafair Biosciences, Inc.
6101 W Courtyard Drive Ste. 1-225
Austin, TX 78730
Contact: Dr. Sarah Mayes
Alafair Biosciences Inc.
6101 W Courtyard Dr Ste 1-225
Austin TX 78730 United States
Phone: 512-739-9510
Email: info@alafairbiosciences.com
Device Name
| Product Name | VersaCoat Tendon Protector |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Surgical Mesh |
| Classification number | 21 CFR 878.3300 |
| Product Code | OWW |
Legally Marketed Predicate Device
VersaWrap Tendon Protector (K240817)
Device Description Summary
VersaCoat Tendon Protector is an absorbable implant (device) designed to function as a gelatinous interface between an injured tendon and surrounding tissues, providing a non-constricting, protective encasement for injured tendons. VersaCoat Tendon Protector consists of a Hydrogel Pellet and Wetting Solution. The Pellet is a hollow, cylindrical hydrogel of alginate and hyaluronic acid. The Pellet is easy to handle and is designed for quick hydration with the Wetting Solution. The Pellet is supplied sterile, non-pyrogenic, for single use, in double peel pouches. The Wetting Solution hydrates the Pellet, rendering a viscous, flowable, tissue-adherent gel. The Wetting Solution is aqueous citrate and is provided in a dropper packaged in a double peel pouch. The Wetting Solution is sterile, non-pyrogenic, and is intended for single use only. A sterile container (dual syringe system) is offered and may be used to facilitate hydration of the Pellet with Wetting Solution.
Intended Use/Indications for Use
VersaCoat Tendon Protector is indicated for the management and protection of tendon injuries in which there has been no substantial loss of tendon tissue. The device may also be used to manage and protect surrounding tissues such as ligament and skeletal muscle. In these procedures, the device may encounter implanted structures such as anchors, grafts, staples, or sutures.
Principle of Operation
The mechanism of action of VersaCoat Tendon Protector is to manage tendon injuries, and surrounding tissue such as ligament and skeletal muscle, by providing a gliding surface and by keeping damaged tissues physically separated during healing
Functional and Safety Testing
To verify that device design met functional and performance requirements, representative samples of the device underwent bench testing in accordance to applicable standards and guidance. These data provide an acceptable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of VersaCoat Tendon Protector and demonstrate that the device is equivalent to the predicate. Biocompatibility studies have demonstrated that VersaCoat Tendon Protector is non-
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cytotoxic, non-pyrogenic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing, non-toxic, and non-genotoxic. Results of bench testing studies have demonstrated that the VersaCoat Tendon Protector alginate-hyaluronic acid flowable matrix provides a protective interface to protect injured tendon. Endotoxin testing is performed for each production Lot per an established sampling plan.
Non-Clinical and/or Clinical Tests Summary & Conclusions
The following tests were performed to support substantial equivalence.
Performance Testing, including:
- Visual inspection
- Dimensional and weight measurements
- Gel integrity
- Handling
- Tissue adherence and conformance
Biocompatibility Testing, including:
- Cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5)
- Sensitization (ISO 10993-10)
- Irritation - Intracutaneous Reactivity (ISO10993-10)
- Acute Systemic Toxicity (ISO10993-11)
- Pyrogenicity (ISO 10993-11)
- Genotoxicity (ISO 10993-3)
- Subchronic toxicity (13 weeks, ISO 10993-11 and ISO 10993-6)
- Muscle implantation toxicity/irritation (ISO 10993-6)
Comparative Technology Characteristics
A comparison of the subject device and the predicate device demonstrates equivalent technological characteristics. Equivalence is based upon intended use, indications for use, materials of construction, operating principle, fundamental scientific technology, and performance. When implanted, the subject and predicate device are identical. Minor technological characteristic differences do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness.
Conclusion
No new questions of safety or effectiveness were identified during device testing; therefore, the VersaCoat Tendon Protector device is considered substantially equivalent to the predicate device(s) in terms of safety and effectiveness.
N/A