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FDA Q-Sub Program Guidance for Medical Devices


Gain early insights from the FDA on your device’s regulatory path with the Q-Sub Program, helping streamline your submission process and reduce delays.

The US FDA has published thousands of pages of guidance to help device manufacturers determine the FDA’s requirements as they apply to their specific device. Nevertheless, you could spend months combing through it all and still have unanswered questions about what you must do to get your device on the US market. Which regulatory route is best: 510(k), PMA, or even De Novo? What testing is required for your device? Do I need to perform clinical studies? The list goes on and on.

FDA’s Q-Sub Program, or Pre-Submission Program provides an opportunity for manufacturers to seek early input from the FDA on their device development plans, submission requirements, and other critical components before submitting a formal premarket application. While not mandatory, this proactive engagement with the FDA can enhance the quality and completeness of your submission and reduce the risk of regulatory delays.

You must submit a written request to the FDA to initiate the process. Your request is tracked with a “Q” number, hence the name. The FDA will respond with written feedback or an in-person meeting, based on your preference (written feedback can be provided following the meeting). It’s important to include as much information about your device and clearly state your concerns or questions so FDA staff can prepare thorough feedback. Their feedback is nonbinding and you are not obligated to address their recommendations in subsequent submissions. However, heeding their advice is often the most efficient path to FDA clearance.

Our consultants have decades of combined experience working with the FDA to clear medical devices and IVDs through a range of submission types. We know how they work and what you need to do to get as much clarity out of your Q-sub meetings as possible. We can ensure that your interactions with the FDA are strategic, efficient, and yield positive outcomes.

We’ll develop a customized strategy for engaging with the FDA based on your specific medical device, which includes determining if your query qualifies for the Q-sub program or another type of pre-submission process.

Facilitate clear and effective communication with the FDA throughout the Q-Sub process and attend your Q-sub meeting, if needed.

Our consultants prepare and review all necessary documents, ensuring they meet the FDA’s guidance for composing a Q-sub request.

Our team will interpret the FDA’s feedback and articulate a plan to incorporate their guidance into your submission route, testing, clinical strategy, and document preparation.

With our expert help, you’ll make the most of your Q-sub or Pre-sub meetings with the FDA. Schedule a consultation and take the first step towards marketing your product in the US.

Our Regulatory Team Leaders


Dr. Jaap Laufer

Dr. Jaap Laufer

Director Swiss Office

CH Office


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Daryl Wisdahl

Director Consulting Services 

US Office


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Rocio Fallas

Rocio Fallas

Senior Regulatory Affairs Consultant

Latin American Office


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Jasmine Hall

Jasmine Hall

Senior Regulatory Affairs Consultant

US Office


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Cecilia Su

Cecilia Su

Senior Regulatory Affairs Consultant

US Office


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Brittany Dunning

Brittany Dunning

Regulatory Affairs Consultant

US Office


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Dean Adair

Dean Adair

Regulatory Affairs Consultant

EU Office


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Staci Dennis

Staci Dennis

Senior Regulatory Affairs Project Manager

US Office

Ally Gonzalez

Ally Gonzalez

Regulatory Affairs Project Manager

US Office


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Darlene Altman

Darlene Altman

Regulatory Affairs Project Manager

US Office


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