The FDA has raised concerns about the production of Axiofill, stating that it involves more than “minimal manipulation,” a claim vehemently disputed by the company behind the product.
This revelation comes after a routine inspection conducted earlier this year, during which the FDA determined that Axiofill does not fall under Section 361 of the U.S. Public Health Service Act, as previously believed.
Instead, the regulatory authority has categorized Axiofill under Section 351, which governs products as biologics and necessitates premarket approval.
In contrast, human tissues are typically regulated under Section 361, with a primary focus on mitigating the risk of infectious disease transmission.
MiMedx, the company responsible for Axiofill, has asserted that the product was meticulously developed and is manufactured to adhere to the requirements outlined in Section 361.
According to the company, Axiofill is intended for use in “replacing or supplementing damaged or inadequate integumental tissue.”
Despite the regulatory dispute, it’s worth noting that Axiofill’s contribution to MiMedx’s overall financial landscape is relatively modest.
The product is expected to account for less than 5% of the company’s total net sales projected for 2023.
In response to the FDA’s classification and concerns, MiMedx has taken a proactive approach.
The company has been actively collaborating with the FDA and has committed to providing updates on the matter in late February.
This proactive engagement demonstrates MiMedx’s commitment to addressing regulatory issues and ensuring that Axiofill continues to meet the necessary safety and efficacy standards.
The disagreement between MiMedx and the FDA regarding the classification of Axiofill underscores the complexities of regulatory oversight in the medical field.
As the company works closely with the FDA to resolve these issues, stakeholders and consumers will be eagerly awaiting further developments to determine the product’s future and its impact on the field of biologics and tissue replacement therapies.