Published 7/30/2024
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Ryan Pezold, MA, MBA
Navigating and tracking the wide variety of biologic treatments marketed to orthopaedic surgeons can be daunting tasks. The Biologics Dashboard, an interactive web-based tool developed and maintained by the AAOS Committee on Devices, Biologics, and Technology (DBT), serves as a centralized platform where AAOS members can access important data about biologic products used in orthopaedic procedures. The dashboard offers insights into the regulatory status of these products, helping clinicians make informed decisions about their use in patient care. Whether it’s understanding approval status, permissible indications, or regulatory pathways of a specific biologic product, the Biologics Dashboard provides a wealth of information to support clinical practice.
Recently, the Biologics Dashboard has undergone a significant update aimed at simplifying the search process for users. This update allows users to search for biologic products directly by their names, thereby streamlining the process and reducing barriers to accessing critical information.
Previously, users of the dashboard needed to input various parameters about a class of biologic products of interest to learn about applicable federal guidance, such as tissue type, tissue source/graft type, processing, and intended use. Although that approach provided detailed results, it also presented a hurdle for users who might not possess all the necessary information upfront. Recognizing this challenge, the DBT Committee decided to implement an enhancement that would allow users to initiate searches directly by entering a product name.
“This update represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the functionality and usability of the Biologics Dashboard. By enabling users to search for biologic products directly by name, we’re breaking down barriers and empowering clinicians with quicker access to vital regulatory information,” shared DBT Committee member Stephen Weber, MD, FAAOS. “Ultimately, this enhancement reinforces our commitment to advancing orthopaedic practice through innovative solutions that prioritize efficiency and efficacy.”
The updated functionality works seamlessly within the existing dashboard interface. A user simply enters into the search box the name of the product. As the user begins typing, suggested product names will populate as auto-complete options, facilitating the search process.
Once the user selects a specific product from the suggestions, all known filters related to that product (e.g., tissue type, source, processing, use) will automatically populate.
This enhancement significantly narrows down the search process, getting users closer to the precise information they need about a particular product. However, users will be required to select those missing filters manually to access comprehensive information.
The Biologics Dashboard is available exclusively to AAOS members at aaos.org/biologicsdashboard.
Ryan Pezold, MA, MBA, is director of clinical quality and value at AAOS. He can be reached via email at pezold@aaos.org.
Disclaimer
The Biologics Dashboard (the “Dashboard”) was developed by the AAOS Committee on Devices, Biologics, and Technology (the “Committee”) to assist the AAOS membership in understanding the regulatory status of certain biologic products (“Products”). The status of these Products on the Dashboard is based on the Committee’s interpretation of publicly available guidance documents, press releases, and/or summaries of safety and effectiveness data released by the FDA for treatment of adult patients. Information presented about the Products is specific to the U.S. FDA and does not reflect Products’ status or approval in other countries or by other entities or agencies.
The status of these Products on the Dashboard reflects the Committee’s interpretation of the above documents and does not imply endorsement of safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness of use by AAOS. Clinicians should use their own independent medical judgment, in addition to open discussion with the patient, when developing patient care recommendations and treatment plans. Medical care should always be based on a physician’s expertise that is individually tailored to the patient’s circumstances, preferences, and rights.