The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has started a review of Inductos, an implant used in patients with spinal disc problems and leg fractures. This follows an inspection by Dutch and Spanish authorities which found the manufacturing site for one of the components of Inductos (the absorbable sponge) to be non-compliant with manufacturing requirements.
The inspectors noted that the manufacturer, located in the United States, did not have adequate measures in place to prevent particle contamination of the sponges and called for importation of the products into the European Union (EU) to cease.
There is at present no indication of risk to patients linked to the inspection findings. Healthcare professionals using Inductos should follow the instructions in the product information as usual. As with any medicinal product, patients who have received Inductos implants should speak to their healthcare professional if they have any questions.
During the review of Inductos, stocks are expected to run low in the EU. The shortage (expected from end of October 2015) will be due to the import restriction and not patient safety concerns.
EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) will now review the impact of the inspection findings on the product’s overall benefits and risks and make a recommendation as to whether any changes are needed to its marketing authorisation.
The recommendation will then be sent to the European Commission for a final legally binding decision.