K151662 · Freedom Laser Therapy, Inc. · OAP · Jan 6, 2016 · Physical Medicine
Device Facts
Record ID
K151662
Device Name
iRestore
Applicant
Freedom Laser Therapy, Inc.
Product Code
OAP · Physical Medicine
Decision Date
Jan 6, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 890.5500
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The iRestore Hair Growth System is indicated to promote hair growth in females with androgenetic alopecia who have Ludwig-Savin Classifications of I - II, males who have Norwood-Hamilton Classifications of IIa – V and for both, Fitzpatrick Classification of Skin Phototypes I to IV.
Device Story
iRestore Hair Growth System is a helmet-based device for OTC use to promote hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Device utilizes 21 red visible light diode lasers and 30 red light super-luminescent diodes (655 nm) to deliver low-level light therapy (LLLT) to the scalp. Helmet design provides hands-free, passive treatment. System includes automatic sensors to pause therapy if head position shifts outside the radiation zone and resumes upon correction; audible beep signals therapy completion. Treatment protocol is 25 minutes, every other day, for 16 weeks. Device is substantially equivalent to the iGrow II system, sharing identical optical, electronic, and mechanical functions, differing only by the omission of integrated earphones. Clinical benefit is derived from established efficacy of LLLT in stimulating hair growth.
Clinical Evidence
No new clinical performance data was produced for this submission. The device relies on clinical data previously established for the predicate iGrow device, which demonstrated safety and efficacy for hair growth in male and female cohorts. Published peer-reviewed studies (Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2013, 2014) support the 16-week, every-other-day treatment protocol.
Technological Characteristics
Helmet-based LLLT device; 21 red visible light diode lasers and 30 red light super-luminescent diodes (655 nm). Class 3R laser system per IEC standards. Features automatic head-position sensing and audible therapy completion alerts. Standalone operation; no external connectivity. Materials include outer helmet and protective inner liner.
Indications for Use
Indicated for females with androgenetic alopecia (Ludwig-Savin I-II) and males with androgenetic alopecia (Norwood-Hamilton IIa-V), Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes I-IV, to promote hair growth.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An infrared lamp is a device intended for medical purposes that emits energy at infrared frequencies (approximately 700 nanometers to 50,000 nanometers) to provide topical heating.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is an infrared therapeutic heating lamp, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 890.9.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
January 6, 2016
Freedom Laser Therapy, Inc. % Raymond Blanche Managing Member NST Consulting, LLC 641 Shunpike Road, Suite 311 Chatham, New Jersey 07928
Re: K151662
Trade/Device Name: iRestore Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5500 Regulation Name: Infrared Lamp Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OAP Dated: November 6, 2015 Received: December 8, 2015
Dear Raymond Blanche:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration. listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in
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the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
# David Krause -S
for Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K151662
Device Name
iRestore Hair Growth System (Model ID-500)
Indications for Use (Describe)
The iRestore Hair Growth System is indicated to promote hair growth in females with androgenetic alopecia who have Ludwig-Savin Classifications of I- II, males who have Norwood-Hamilton Classifications of Ila- V and for both, Fitzpatrick Classification of Skin Phototypes I to IV.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
|X | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Summary
# Freedom Laser Therapy, Inc.
# Submitter's Contact Information
| Name: | Raymond R. Blanche |
|------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address | NST Consulting, LLC<br>641 Shunpike Road, Suite 31<br>Chatham, NJ 07928 |
| Telephone: | (973) 539-7444 |
| Facsimile: | (973) 539-7445 |
# Name of Device and Name/Address of Sponsor
| Trade Name: | iRestore Hair Growth System |
|---------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sponsor Contact<br>Information: | Craig Nabat<br>Freedom Laser Therapy, Inc.<br>7815 Beverly Blvd., 3rd Fl.<br>Los Angeles, CA 90036 |
| Common or Usual Name: | Lamp, non-heating, for promotion of hair growth |
|-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Classification Name: | Infrared lamp per 21 CFR 890.5500 |
| Classification Code: | OAP (Laser, comb, hair) |
# Predicate Devices:
| Device Trade Name | Manufacturer |
|-----------------------------|---------------------|
| igrow II Hair Growth System | Apira Science, Inc. |
# Reference Devices:
None
#### Date Prepared: Revision January 6, 2016
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#### Intended Use / Indications for Use
The iRestore Hair Growth System is indicated to promote hair growth in females with androgenetic alopecia who have Ludwig-Savin Classifications of I - II, males who have Norwood-Hamilton Classifications of IIa – V and for both, Fitzpatrick Classification of Skin Phototypes I to IV.
### Technological Characteristics
The iRestore Hair Growth System consists of 21 red visible light, diode lasers and 30 red light super-luminescent diodes configured within an outer helmet and protective inner. The use of diode lasers and non-laser LEDs provides for a full coverage of the upper 1/3 of the head; i.e., the area commonly covered with stylized hair. The helmet system will automatically pause therapy if the subject's head is moved outside of the zone of radiation and will resume therapy when the correct head position is re-established. At the end of the therapy cycle, the system signals that therapy is complete and ready to be powered down, by emitting an audible beep pattern.
#### Performance Data:
No clinical performance data was produced for this submission because the iRestore is an IDENTICAL device in optical, electronic and mechanical function as well as recommended clinical treatment regime, to the predicate device, the igrow. There is one ergonomic design distinction between the two systems. The iRestore is not configured with, audio capability through attached ear phones.
#### Substantial Equivalence
The iRestore device is IDENTICAL to the device known as the igrow Hair Growth System cleared under 510(k) numbers K141567 and K140931. It is as safe and effective as the predicate device.
Both systems, which use red light diode lasers and/or the equivalent, super-luminescent, light emitting diodes are classified as class IIIa/3R laser systems by the IEC standard for allowable emission levels, which is a recognized standard by the FDA as well. and the adverse event profile is the same. The sponsor believes that the difference in the physical appearance or in the method of delivering the radiant energy of the two systems is of no consequence and does not effect the therapeutic value or the safety profile. The lack of ear phones in the iRestore has no significance in the comparative process between the NEW device and the predicate.
Finally, the clinical data summarized in the 510(k) notice confirms the safety and efficacy of the iRestore Hair Growth System for OTC Use, according to Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart C). For these reasons, the iRestore Hair Growth System satisfies the FDA's substantial equivalence with respect to intended use, technological and design characteristics.
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## Treatment Protocol
The iRestore and the igrow devices possess the same treatment regime of 25 minutes, every other day, on non-consecutive days, for 16 weeks. This treatment regime has been established through clinical testing with the igrow device, in separate male and female cohort clinical trials. The data from these trials was published in a peer review journal. The references are as follows:
- 1. The Growth of Human Scalp Hair Mediated by Visible Red Light Laser and LED Sources in Males. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 45:487-495 (2013)
- 2. The Growth of Human Scalp Hair in Females Using Visible Red Light Laser and LED Sources. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 46:601-607 (2014)
The following Comparison Chart in support of substantial equivalence is provided:
| iRestore Hair Growth System | igrow Hair Growth System |
|-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|
| LLLT Device Type | Identical |
| OTC Application | Identical |
| Intended Use - Androgenetic Alopecia | Identical |
| Contain Laser Diodes-21 Class 3R | Identical |
| Contain LEDs, 30 5mm, Thru-The-Hole | Identical |
| Helmet Design | Identical |
| 655 NMS. | Identical |
| Marketing Clearance -Females & Males, OTC | Identical |
| Passive Use-Hands Free | Identical |
| OAP Classification | Identical |
| Classification Name -Infrared Lamp | Identical |
| Common Usage Name - Lamp, Non-Heating | Identical |
| General & Plastic Surgery Committee | Identical |
| Skin Phototypes - I- IV | Identical |
| Hamilton-Norwood IIa-V Hair Loss Classification | Identical |
| Ludwig-Savin I - II Hair Loss Classification | Identical |
| Efficacy Rates - High Compared to Placebo | Identical |
| Treatment- 16 weeks, every other day | Identical |
| Device Class II | Identical |
With the data presented in the Comparison Chart, the sponsor believes that the this data demonstrates that red light lasers in class IIIa/3R, used in the iRestore Hair Growth System, are substantially equivalent to the igrow Hair Growth system and based on the IDENTICAL technological designs of the two devices, the sponsor requests the FDA to clear the device via the 510(k) notice.
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.