(60 days)
Bicarby™ Dialysate solutions are indicated for use as a dialysis fluid for adult patients in acute care settings, requiring Kidney Replacement Therapies (KRT).
The Bicarby Dialysate solutions are single-use, sterile, ready-to-use dialysis solutions consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride (select solutions), sodium bicarbonate, and glucose. One (1) new calcium-containing solution and seven (7) new calcium-free solutions are being introduced. Of the 7 calcium-free solutions, there are only four (4) unique formulations (Table 1).
Bicarby Dialysate solutions are sterile dialysates for use in KRT. The solutions are each provided in a 2-compartment bag. One compartment contains 4.75 L of a slightly alkaline bicarbonate solution and the other compartment contains 0.25 L of an acidic electrolyte, glucose solution. The 2 solutions are mixed before use by opening the peel seam between the compartments, yielding 5 L of a ready-to-use sterile solution. The dialysate bags are made of a gas barrier foil, a material manufactured without PVC, latex, or plasticizer. The calcium-containing solutions are designed for modalities using heparin anticoagulation, while the calcium-free solutions are intended for modalities using regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA). The calcium-free solutions sustain the anticoagulatory effect of citrate in the filter. Therefore, a separate infusion of calcium is mandatory when using these solutions.
N/A
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
September 9, 2025
Fresenius Medical Care Renal Therapies Group, LLC
Timothy Groves
Regulatory Affairs Senior Lead
920 Winter Street
Waltham, Massachusetts 02451
Re: K252180
Trade/Device Name: Bicarby Dialysate RFP-404 (RFP-404-W); Bicarby Dialysate RFP-403 (RFP-403-W); Bicarby Dialysate RFP-403 (RFP-403-G); Bicarby Dialysate RFP-453 (RFP453-W); Bicarby Dialysate RFP-453 (RFP-453-G); Bicarby Dialysate RFP-454 (RFP-454-W); Bicarby Dialysate RFP-454 (RFP-454-G); Bicarby Dialysate RFP456 (RFP-456-W)
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 876.5820
Regulation Name: Hemodialysis System And Accessories
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: KPO
Dated: July 11, 2025
Received: July 11, 2025
Dear Timothy Groves:
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
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K252180 - Timothy Groves Page 2
Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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-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.
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-advicecomprehensive-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-reportingmdr-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/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the
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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-devices/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,
Maura Rooney -S
Maura Rooney
Assistant Director
DHT3A: Division of Renal, Gastrointestinal,
Obesity, and Transplant Devices
OHT3: Office of Gastrorenal, ObGyn,
General Hospital, and Urology Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
Page 4
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. | K252180
Please provide the device trade name(s).
Bicarby Dialysate RFP-404 (RFP-404-W);
Bicarby Dialysate RFP-403 (RFP-403-W);
Bicarby Dialysate RFP-403 (RFP-403-G);
Bicarby Dialysate RFP-453 (RFP-453-W);
Bicarby Dialysate RFP-453 (RFP-453-G);
Bicarby Dialysate RFP-454 (RFP-454-W);
Bicarby Dialysate RFP-454 (RFP-454-G);
Bicarby Dialysate RFP-456 (RFP-456-W)
Please provide your Indications for Use below.
Bicarby™ Dialysate solutions are indicated for use as a dialysis fluid for adult patients in acute care settings, requiring Kidney Replacement Therapies (KRT).
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)
Bicarby Dialysate RFP-404 | Page 8 of 31
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510(K) SUMMARY
K252180
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510(k) Summary
Bicarby Dialysate Solutions Traditional 510(k)
This 510(k) Summary is in accordance with the requirements of the Safe Medical Device Act (SMDA) of 1990. The content of this 510(k) summary is provided in conformance with 21 CFR § 807.92.
1.1. Submitter's Information
Name: Fresenius Medical Care Renal Therapies Group, LLC
Address: 920 Winter Street
Waltham, MA 02451-1457
Phone: (781) 460-1087
Fax: (781) 699-9635
Contact Person: Timothy Groves, Senior Lead
Preparation Date: 11 July 2025
1.2. Device Name
Trade Names: Bicarby™ Dialysate
Common Name: Dialysis Solutions for Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT)
Regulation Name: Hemodialysis System and Accessories
Regulatory Class: Class II per 21 CFR § 876.5820
Product Code: KPO
Product Code Name: Dialysate Concentrate for Hemodialysis (Liquid or Powder)
FDA Review Panel: Gastroenterology/Urology
1.3. Legally Marketed Predicate Device
The legally marketed predicate device for the proposed Bicarby Dialysate solutions is the Bicarby and Ci-Ca Dialysate solutions (K243786). These devices are not currently subject to any design-related recalls.
The Fresenius pureFLOW dialysis solutions (K233950), B. Braun Modified Duosol Bicarbonate Dialysate (K052393), Baxter PrismaSATE solutions (K162887), and NxStage PureFlow solutions (K053286) are used as reference devices.
1.4. Device Description
1.4.1. Device Identification
1.4.1.1. Bicarby Dialysate Solutions
The Bicarby Dialysate solutions are single-use, sterile, ready-to-use dialysis solutions consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride (select solutions), sodium bicarbonate, and glucose. One (1) new calcium-containing solution and seven (7) new calcium-free solutions are being introduced. Of the 7 calcium-free solutions, there are only four (4) unique formulations (Table 1).
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K252180
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510(k) Summary
Bicarby Dialysate Solutions Traditional 510(k)
Table 1: Proposed Bicarby Dialysate Solutions
| Proposed P/N (St. Wendel) | Proposed P/N (Guadalajara) | Proposed Brand Name | Solution Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| RFP-404-W | N/A¹ | Bicarby™ Dialysate RFP-404 | Calcium-containing |
| RFP-403-W | RFP-403-G | Bicarby™ Dialysate RFP-403 | Calcium-free |
| RFP-453-W | RFP-453-G | Bicarby™ Dialysate RFP-453 | Calcium-free |
| RFP-454-W | RFP-454-G | Bicarby™ Dialysate RFP-454 | Calcium-free |
| RFP-456-W | N/A¹ | Bicarby™ Dialysate RFP-456 | Calcium-free |
¹ RFP-404-G and RFP-456-G were cleared under K243786.
1.4.2. Environment of Use
The Bicarby Dialysate solutions are used in acute care environments where KRT is performed.
1.4.3. Brief Written Description of the Device
Bicarby Dialysate solutions are sterile dialysates for use in KRT. The solutions are each provided in a 2-compartment bag. One compartment contains 4.75 L of a slightly alkaline bicarbonate solution and the other compartment contains 0.25 L of an acidic electrolyte, glucose solution. The 2 solutions are mixed before use by opening the peel seam between the compartments, yielding 5 L of a ready-to-use sterile solution. The dialysate bags are made of a gas barrier foil, a material manufactured without PVC, latex, or plasticizer. The calcium-containing solutions are designed for modalities using heparin anticoagulation, while the calcium-free solutions are intended for modalities using regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA). The calcium-free solutions sustain the anticoagulatory effect of citrate in the filter. Therefore, a separate infusion of calcium is mandatory when using these solutions.
1.4.4. Materials of Use
The Bicarby Dialysate solutions are classified as externally communicating, blood path indirect, prolonged contact (>24 hours to 30 days) duration, Class II (Category B) devices in accordance with 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 (08 September 2023).
The calcium-containing and calcium-free solution container closure systems are constructed from identical materials, with the exception of colorants used in the HF-connectors. Each bag is equipped with an HF-connector, a Luer-lock connector, and an injection port. The HFconnectors of the calcium-containing and calcium-free container closure systems contain blue and yellow colorants, respectively. The bags are composed of the materials listed in Table 2.
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K252180
Page 3 of 6
510(k) Summary
Bicarby Dialysate Solutions Traditional 510(k)
Table 2: Bicarby Dialysate Bag Materials
| Component | Material |
|---|---|
| Solution Bag | Multi-layer Gas Barrier Film |
| Connective Tubing | Polyolefin/Elastomer |
| Injection Port | Polypropylene |
| Synthetic Rubber | |
| Luer-Lock Connector with Cap | Polycarbonate |
| Thermoplastic Elastomer | |
| HF Connector with Cap | Polycarbonate |
| Silicone | |
| Overwrap | Polyolefin/Elastomer |
1.4.5. Key Performance Specifications/Characteristics
The key performance specifications of the solutions are outlined in Table 3.
Table 3: Key Performance Specifications
| Chemical Component | Ionic Contribution (mEq/L, mixed) | Ionic Contribution (mEq/L, mixed) |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium-containing | Calcium-free | |
| Sodium (Na⁺) | 140 | 130 or 140 |
| Potassium (K⁺) | 4 | 2 or 4 |
| Magnesium (Mg²⁺) | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Calcium (Ca²⁺) | 2.5 | 0 |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | 113 | 108.5, 110.5, or 120.5 |
| Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) | 35 | 25 or 35 |
| Glucose (g/L) | 1 | 1 |
1.5. Intended Use
Bicarby Dialysate is a dialysis solution for use in acute kidney replacement therapy for the correction of blood electrolytes and acid-base balance in an extracorporeal dialysis treatment.
1.6. Indications for Use
Bicarby™ Dialysate solutions are indicated for use as a dialysisfluid for adult patientsin acute care settings,requiring Kidney Replacement Therapies (KRT).
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K252180
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510(k) Summary
Bicarby Dialysate Solutions Traditional 510(k)
1.7. Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
The proposed and predicate solutions share the same technological characteristics:
- Intended Use
- Indications for Use
- Design
- Sterilization Method
- Materials
- Principle of Operation
- Performance Specifications
The following technological characteristics of the proposed solutions are substantially equivalent to those of the predicate solutions:
- Ionic contributions (mixed) – New formulations contain different ionic contributions (mixed). Reference devices support the ionic contributions of the new formulations.
- Packaging materials – Two (2) white hot UDI stamp materials can be used with the proposed solutions. These materials were cleared through K243786 (predicate device) and K233950 (reference device).
1.8. Performance Data
The container closure system of the proposed Bicarby Dialysate solutions is identical to the predicate Bicarby and Ci-Ca Dialysate solutions (K243786). Therefore, testing was limited to chemical stability testing to evaluate the new formulations (Table 4).
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K252180
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510(k) Summary
Bicarby Dialysate Solutions Traditional 510(k)
Table 4: Chemical Stability Testing Summary
| Testing Performed | Test Objective |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Determine the clarity and degree of opalescence of the aqueous solution |
| pH | Quantitatively determine the acidity or basicity of the aqueous solution |
| Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, hydrogen carbonate, glucose, and aluminum | Quantitatively determine the concentration of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, hydrogen carbonate, glucose, and aluminum in aqueous solution |
| 5-HMF | Quantitatively determine the concentration of 5-HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural) in aqueous solution |
| Particulate Contamination ≥ 10 µm | Quantitatively determine the amount of extraneous, mobile undissolved particles, other than gas bubbles, unintentionally present in the aqueous solution |
| Particulate Contamination ≥ 25 µm | |
| Extractable Volume | Quantitatively determine the extractable volume of the aqueous solution |
| Sterility | Determine the presence of contaminating micro-organisms in the aqueous solution |
| Endotoxin | Quantitatively detect the presence of endotoxins from gram-negative bacteria |
| Loss of Weight | Determine the loss of water through the packaging material expressed as a percentage of weight loss |
| Dihydrogen phosphate | Quantitatively determine the concentration of phosphate in the aqueous solution |
| In-use Stability | Evaluate the stability of the ready-to-use solution after 48 hr |
1.8.1. Biocompatibility Testing
The proposed Bicarby Dialysate solutions are packaged in the same container closure as the predicate solutions. The proposed and predicate solutions are both used for adult populations with less than 30 days use and a maximum exposure of 15 bags per day or 75 L per day (i.e., acute use environment). There is no change in patient population or environment of use.
The biocompatibility evaluations previously performed remain applicable and no new testing was performed.
1.8.2. Human Factors Validation Testing
The Bicarby Dialysate solutions were found to be safe and effective for their intended users, uses, and use environments.
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K252180
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510(k) Summary
Bicarby Dialysate Solutions Traditional 510(k)
1.8.3. Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Not applicable. The Bicarby Dialysate solutions are not electrical mechanical devices.
1.8.4. Software Verification and Validation Testing
Not applicable. The Bicarby Dialysate solutions do not contain software.
1.8.5. Animal Studies
No animal studies were performed.
1.8.6. Clinical Studies
No clinical studies were performed.
1.9. Conclusion
The proposed Bicarby Dialysate solutions are substantially equivalent to those of the predicate devices. Differences between the Bicarby Dialysate solutions and the predicate do not raise new concerns with regard to safety or efficacy. FMCRTG concludes that within the meaning of the Medical Device Amendments Act of 1976, Bicarby Dialysate solutions are safe and effective for their intended use.
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§ 876.5820 Hemodialysis system and accessories.
(a)
Identification. A hemodialysis system and accessories is a device that is used as an artificial kidney system for the treatment of patients with renal failure or toxemic conditions and that consists of an extracorporeal blood system, a conventional dialyzer, a dialysate delivery system, and accessories. Blood from a patient flows through the tubing of the extracorporeal blood system and accessories to the blood compartment of the dialyzer, then returns through further tubing of the extracorporeal blood system to the patient. The dialyzer has two compartments that are separated by a semipermeable membrane. While the blood is in the blood compartment, undesirable substances in the blood pass through the semipermeable membrane into the dialysate in the dialysate compartment. The dialysate delivery system controls and monitors the dialysate circulating through the dialysate compartment of the dialyzer.(1) The extracorporeal blood system and accessories consists of tubing, pumps, pressure monitors, air foam or bubble detectors, and alarms to keep blood moving safely from the blood access device and accessories for hemodialysis (§ 876.5540) to the blood compartment of the dialyzer and back to the patient.
(2) The conventional dialyzer allows a transfer of water and solutes between the blood and the dialysate through the semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane of the conventional dialyzer has a sufficiently low permeability to water that an ultrafiltration controller is not required to prevent excessive loss of water from the patient's blood. This conventional dialyzer does not include hemodialyzers with the disposable inserts (Kiil type) (§ 876.5830) or dialyzers of high permeability (§ 876.5860).
(3) The dialysate delivery system consists of mechanisms that monitor and control the temperature, conductivity, flow rate, and pressure of the dialysate and circulates dialysate through the dialysate compartment of the dialyzer. The dialysate delivery system includes the dialysate concentrate for hemodialysis (liquid or powder) and alarms to indicate abnormal dialysate conditions. This dialysate delivery system does not include the sorbent regenerated dialysate delivery system for hemodialysis (§ 876.5600), the dialysate delivery system of the peritoneal dialysis system and accessories (§ 876.5630), or the controlled dialysate delivery system of the high permeability hemodialysis system § 876.5860).
(4) Remote accessories to the hemodialysis system include the unpowered dialysis chair without a scale, the powered dialysis chair without a scale, the dialyzer holder set, dialysis tie gun and ties, and hemodialysis start/stop tray.
(b)
Classification. (1) Class II (performance standards) for hemodialysis systems and all accessories directly associated with the extracorporeal blood system and the dialysate delivery system.(2) Class I for other accessories of the hemodialysis system remote from the extracorporeal blood system and the dialysate delivery system, such as the unpowered dialysis chair, hemodialysis start/stop tray, dialyzer holder set, and dialysis tie gun and ties. The devices subject to this paragraph (b)(2) are exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 876.9.