Sparta Systems, Inc. Announces Software For Electronic Submission Of Medical Device Reports To FDA

HOLMDEL, N.J., Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Sparta Systems, Inc. (Sparta), the maker of TrackWise(R), and the market leader in enterprise quality and compliance process management software, today announced that it has released the Beta version of the TrackWise eMDR Submission Manager(TM) software. The add-on software enables medical device companies to electronically submit Medical Device Reports (MDRs) to Food and Drug Administration (FDA). TrackWise eMDR Submission Manager(TM) is one component of Sparta's current initiative to support the growing number of life sciences electronic submission processes, which are complementary to quality and regulatory solutions.

Medical device manufacturers use TrackWise to electronically track and manage product complaint and adverse event assessment and reporting processes. The software enables device companies to effectively manage complaints and investigations, assess potential adverse events for safety risk problems, and comply with health authority reporting requirements, including those of FDA.

FDA regulations require firms who have received complaints of device malfunctions, serious injuries, or deaths associated with medical devices to notify FDA of the incident. Manufacturers are required to submit an individual adverse event report (known as a "MDR Report") to FDA using its 3500A form. TrackWise customers currently produce 3500A reports in electronic form, from structured audit-trailed data fields. Sparta's 3500A report has been previously approved by both FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) and Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).

In an effort to streamline reporting of 3500A reports, FDA is now implementing an electronic submission program called "eMDR." Under this program, FDA receives electronic submissions of MDRs via the FDA Gateway, a secure agency-wide entry point for all electronic submissions. Using this approach, medical device manufacturers can issue their reports electronically, eliminating costs and errors associated with paper-based reporting processes.

Sparta was asked by FDA to participate in its eMDR pilot program. Collaborating closely with the agency, Sparta has developed standard functionality within TrackWise that allows customers to electronically transmit MDRs through the FDA's Secure Gateway.

"FDA's eMDR Program and the TrackWise eMDR Submission Manager enable our medical device customers to improve their adverse event reporting processes by eliminating paper forms and manual document routing," stated Mike Jovanis, Director, Solutions Architecture of Sparta. "TrackWise increases efficiency while approving accuracy of information, providing a better and more effective product safety process, which ultimately benefits consumers and patients."

The new functionality, TrackWise eMDR Submission Manager can be added to both existing and new TrackWise deployments. Several of Sparta's larger device clients are already working with Beta versions of the functionality, and are planning to begin submitting MDRs electronically upon completion of the beta program.

About Sparta Systems

Sparta Systems, Inc. is the industry leader for global quality and compliance management systems. Its TrackWise product is a web-based software application used by quality, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs professionals to manage quality and compliance issues across the enterprise. The company has more than 12 years of experience and an extensive customer base in the life sciences and other highly regulated industries. Sparta Systems offers its customers a complete solution for global quality management needs, including the onsite support required throughout the project lifecycle. More information about Sparta Systems and TrackWise can be found at http://www.sparta-systems.com.

CONTACTS:

5W Public Relations, Alana Sorrentino, 212-999-5585 asorrentino@5wpr.com

Sparta Systems, Inc., Tracy Orlick, 732-203-0400 x119 tracy.orlick@sparta-systems.com

CONTACT: 5W Public Relations: Alana Sorrentino, +1-212-999-5585 orasorrentino@5wpr.com; or Sparta Systems: Tracy Orlick, +1-732-203-0400 x119or tracy.orlick@sparta-systems.com

Web site: http://www.sparta-systems.com/