Orphan and paediatric medical devices in Europe: recommendations to support their availability for on-label and off-label clinical indications

Introduction: The Medical Device Regulation (EU)745/2017, increased the regulatory requirements and thus the time and the cost associated with marketing medical devices. For a majority of medical device manufacturers, this has lead to reconsiderations of their product portfolio. The risk of important or essential devices being withdrawn is particularly relevant for pediatric patients and other rare disease patients where limited numbers of devices can be sold and hence the investment needed may not be recovered. This generates critical challenges and opportunities from a regulatory and public health perspective.

Areas covered: This paper is based upon the experience of the authors who contributed to working groups, guidance development and research related to orphan and pediatric devices. We examine the use of medical devices in orphan and pediatric conditions, the relevant aspects of regulations and associated guidance, and we suggest possible policy and practice interventions to ensure the continued availability of essential devices for children and people with rare diseases.

Expert opinion: We recommend a more proactive approach to identifying devices at risk and essential devices, increasing the use of exceptional market approvals, expanding the role of expert panels, engaging with the rare disease communities and supporting registries and standards.