21 CFR Part 812 · Investigational Device Exemptions

§ 812.46 Monitoring investigations

Subpart C - Responsibilities of Sponsors Official text on eCFR Amendment history

(a) Securing compliance. A sponsor who discovers that an investigator is not complying with the signed agreement, the investigational plan, the requirements of this part or other applicable FDA regulations, or any conditions of approval imposed by the reviewing IRB or FDA shall promptly either secure compliance, or discontinue shipments of the device to the investigator and terminate the investigator's participation in the investigation. A sponsor shall also require such an investigator to dispose of or return the device, unless this action would jeopardize the rights, safety, or welfare of a subject.

(b) Unanticipated adverse device effects.

(1) A sponsor shall immediately conduct an evaluation of any unanticipated adverse device effect.

(2) A sponsor who determines that an unanticipated adverse device effect presents an unreasonable risk to subjects shall terminate all investigations or parts of investigations presenting that risk as soon as possible. Termination shall occur not later than 5 working days after the sponsor makes this determination and not later than 15 working days after the sponsor first received notice of the effect.

(c) Resumption of terminated studies. If the device is a significant risk device, a sponsor may not resume a terminated investigation without IRB and FDA approval. If the device is not a significant risk device, a sponsor may not resume a terminated investigation without IRB approval and, if the investigation was terminated under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, FDA approval.

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What FDA inspectors cite under § 812.46

Form FDA 483 observations citing this section, fiscal years 2009–2026 (Devices).

  • Sponsor securing investigator compliance 28
  • No evaluation of unanticipated adverse effects 5
  • Device return/disposal by non-compliant investigator 2
  • No approval to resume significant risk study 1

Warning letters citing § 812.46

4 FDA warning letters since 2017 cite this section :

FDA guidance that cites § 812.46

Amendment history

Federal Register documents that created or amended this section.