The U.S. FDA detailed which kinds of SARS-CoV-2 tests are getting top priority, with access to rolling, rapid reviews for emergency use authorization (EUA) during the unfolding pandemic. The agency is aiming to authorize point-of-care and at-home tests to better distribute the use of testing in various locations. It also is looking at automated and high-throughput tests that can offer analysis of larger batches of tests at one time.

In a step toward what may become the new normal, at least for now, the Pediatric Oncology Subcommittee of the FDA’s Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee is meeting virtually Wednesday and Thursday to review pediatric development plans for four cancer drugs.

A wireless system to monitor mothers in labor and their fetuses has been introduced by Royal Philips NV in the U.S. Known as the Avalon CL Fetal and Maternal Pod and Patch, it is commercialized under recently updated guidance from the U.S. FDA. The Amsterdam-based company is continuing to pursue a standard 510(k) clearance for the system, which is marketed in European countries, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Clew Medical Ltd., of Netanya, Israel, has secured an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. FDA for its ClewICU system for use with COVID-19 patients in intensive care units (ICUs). The screening system is a standalone software as a medical device product that uses vital signs, laboratory data, medications and other information to assess the likelihood a patient has been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The U.S. FDA finally granted Abbott Laboratories' Freestyle Libre 2 clearance as an integrated continuous glucose monitor (iCGM) for adults and children age 4 and older with diabetes. Abbott received CE mark for the device more than 18 months ago and discussed its submission to the FDA in an earnings call over a year ago. Abbott expects the device to be available at pharmacies and durable medical equipment suppliers within weeks.