USITC to investigate Chinese company over intravascular parts

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched an investigation into intravascular administration sets, based on a complaint filed by medical device companies Curlin Medicals, Moog and Zevex.

The complaint, which was filed on March 13, alleged that China-based WeiDeLi has violated the Tariff Act of 1930 by importing the sets into the US.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, an intravascular administration set is a device used to "administer fluids from a container to a patient's vascular system through a needle or catheter inserted into a vein".

At issue are infusion therapy products, including infusion pumps and related disposable tubing assembly for intravenously delivering nutrients or medication into a patient’s body.

Sale of these products allegedly infringed patents belonging to the complainants.

Although the investigation has been instituted, the ITC has not yet made any decisions on the merits of the case.

According to a statement released by the ITC on Tuesday, April 11, a chief administrative law judge will assign the case to one of the ITC’s administrative law judges, who will hold an evidentiary hearing.

The ITC said it will make a final determination in the investigation "at the earliest practicable time”.