The CapillusX and CapillusX+ are intended to treat Androgenetic Alopecia and promote hair growth in males who have Norwood-Hamilton Classifications of IIa to V patterns of hair loss and to treat Androgenetic Alopecia and promote hair growth in females who have Ludwig (Savin) Scale I-1 to I-4, II-1, II-2, or frontal; both with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to IV.
Device Story
CapillusX/CapillusX+ are wearable laser therapy helmets for home use. Devices utilize 112 or 244 red diode lasers (650nm) to deliver low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to scalp. Powered by rechargeable Li-Ion battery; portable design. User places helmet on head for 6-minute daily sessions. Audible tones (2 short beeps start, 1 long beep end) signal session status. Device operates as non-heating infrared lamp to promote hair growth. No complex software or AI; simple timer-based operation. Benefits include non-invasive treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Healthcare providers do not operate device; patients self-administer therapy.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification confirmed compliance with design specifications and IEC 60825-1 (laser safety) and IEC 60601-1 (electrical safety). No clinical trials were conducted for this submission; substantial equivalence is based on technological similarity to previously cleared predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Red diode lasers (650nm); 112 or 244 diodes; Class 3R laser system (max 5mW per diode). Helmet form factor. Rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Audible tone interface for session timing. Compliant with IEC 60825-1 (laser safety) and IEC 60601-1 (electrical safety).
Indications for Use
Indicated for males with Norwood-Hamilton Classifications IIa-V and females with Ludwig (Savin) Scale I-1 to I-4, II-1, II-2, or frontal patterns of Androgenetic Alopecia; Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV.
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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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo in blue, followed by the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue. The text is arranged in a way that "U.S. FOOD & DRUG" is on the top line, and "ADMINISTRATION" is on the bottom line.
Capillus Patricia Schnoor Director, QA/RA 1715 NW 82nd Ave. Doral, Florida 33126
September 12, 2019
Re: K192012
Trade/Device Name: Capillus 112, Capillus 244 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5500 Regulation Name: Infrared lamp Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OAP Dated: July 26, 2019 Received: July 29, 2019
Dear Patricia Schnoor:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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 of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see
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https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Neil R.P. Ogden, Assistant Director, THT4A4 DHT4A: Division of General Surgery Devices OHT5: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K192012
Device Name CapillusX, CapillusX+
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Capillus X and Capillus X+ laser domes are intended to treat Androgenetic Alopecia and promotion of hair growth in males who have Norwood Hamilton Classifications of Ila to V patterns of hair loss and treating Androgenetic Alopecia and promotion of hair growth in females who have Ludwig (Savin) Scale 1-4, II-2, or frontal; both with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to IV.
| | | | | Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|--|--|--|--|-------------------------------------------------|--|
| | | | | | |
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# K192012
## 510(k) Summary
## Capillus, LLC
| Date Prepared: | September10, 2019 |
|------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <b>Submitter's Contact Information:</b> | |
| Name: | Patricia Schnoor |
| Address: | Capillus LLC<br>1715 NW 202nd Avenue<br>Miami, FL 33126 |
| Establishment Registration#: | 3010123655 |
| Telephone: | (786) 888-1874 |
| Facsimile: | (305) 418-7581 |
| <b>Name of Device and Name / Address of Sponsor:</b> | |
| Trade Name: | CapillusX, CapillusX+ |
| 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) |
| Sponsor Contact Information: | Patricia Schnoor<br>Capillus LLC<br>1715 NW 82nd Avenue<br>Miami, FL 33126 |
| Telephone: | (786) 888-1874 |
## Predicate Devices:
| Device Trade Name | Manufacturer | 510(k) |
|-------------------|--------------|--------|
| CapillusPro | Capillus LLC | 163170 |
| Capillus82 | Capillus LLC | 163170 |
## Intended Use / Indications for Use:
The CapillusX and CapillusX+ are intended to treat Androgenetic Alopecia and promote hair growth in males who have Norwood-Hamilton Classifications of IIa to V patterns of hair loss and to treat Androgenetic Alopecia and promote hair growth in females who have Ludwig (Savin) Scale I-1 to I-4, II-1, II-2, or frontal; both with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to IV.
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## Technological Characteristics
The CapillusX and CapillusX+ consist of 112 and 244 (respectively) red, visible light, diode lasers operating at 650 nanometers, configured within an outer helmet and protective inner, and configured for portable use with rechargeable battery and adapter. These models are exactly the same as the (predicate) Capillus family of devices (CapillusPro, Capillus202, Capillus82) with the exception of the number of diodes.
As stated in prior submissions, the devices emit an audible tone at the beginning and end of a therapy session, indicating that therapy has begun (2 short beeps) or ended (one long beep). The portable systems are powered by rechargeable Li-Ion battery cells assembled into a proprietary battery pack and charger are fully compliant to recognized, international standards.
#### Performance Data:
Performance testing was conducted to confirm compliance to design specifications; all functions have been verified to operate as designed. All acceptance criteria were met by the device. The CapillusX+ conform to the standard IEC-602825-2007-03. This IEC standard is a recognized and accepted standard by the FDA. The guidance document for this accepted standard is found in the Federal register, July 26, 2001 (volume 66, Number 144) [page 39049 39050). This report validates for the CapillusX and CapillusX+ the laser class of 3R which establishes the AEL (accessible emission limits) as 5 milliWatts maximum. The charger conforms to IEC 60601-1.
Just as for the currently cleared Capillus family of devices, there are no reported adverse events for this technology.
## Substantial Equivalence
The Capillus devices referenced in this application are the same technology used by the LLLT devices cleared under device code OAP. The CapillusX and CapillusX+ are as safe and effective as the predicate devices, as well as other reference devices in its class.
The sponsor believes that the difference in the physical appearance, number of diodes, or in the method of delivering the radiant energy of the systems is of no consequence and does not affect the therapeutic value or the safety profile. All compliant LLT systems which use red light diode lasers are classified as class 3R laser systems according to 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.
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| CapillusPro | Capillus82 | CapillusX / CapillusX+ |
|----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| K162994 | K162994 | Candidate |
| LLLT Device Type | LLLT Device Type | LLLT Device Type |
| Over the Counter Use | Over the Counter Use | Over the Counter Use |
| Intended Use - Androgenic Alopecia | Intended Use - Androgenic Alopecia | Intended Use - Androgenic Alopecia |
| Contain Laser Diodes- Class 3R | Contain Laser Diodes- Class 3R | Contain Laser Diodes- Class 3R |
| Helmet/Cap Design | Helmet/Cap Design | Helmet/Cap Design |
| 5mW max | 5mW max | 5mW max |
| 1360mW max energy | 410mW max energy | 560mW / 1220mW max energy |
| 650nm | 650nm | 650nm |
| Marketing clearance for Males and Females | Marketing clearance for Males and Females | Marketing clearance for Males and Females |
| Passive Use-Hands Free | Passive Use-Hands Free | Passive Use-Hands Free |
| 272 Laser Diodes | 82 Laser Diodes | 112 / 244 Laser Diodes |
| OAP Classification | OAP Classification | OAP Classification |
| Classification Name -Infrared Lamp | Classification Name -Infrared Lamp | Classification Name -Infrared Lamp |
| Common Usage Name - Lamp, Non-Heating | Common Usage Name - Lamp, Non-Heating | Common Usage Name - Lamp, Non-Heating |
| General & Plastic Surgery Committee | General & Plastic Surgery Committee | General & Plastic Surgery Committee |
| Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes - I- IV | Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes - I- IV | Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes - I- IV |
| Ludwig-Savin I-II (females) | Ludwig-Savin I-II (females) | Ludwig-Savin I-II (females) |
| Norwood Hamilton IIA-V (males) | Norwood Hamilton IIA-V (males) | Norwood Hamilton IIA-V (males) |
| Efficacy Rates - High Compared to Placebo | Same as for MEP-90 (predicate) | Efficacy Rates -35-48% (calculated) |
| Treatment- 17weeks, 6 min daily (indefinite) | Treatment- 6 min daily (indefinite) | Treatment- 6 min daily (indefinite) |
| Device Class II | Device Class II | Device Class II |
For these reasons, the CapillusX and CapillusX+ satisfy the FDA's substantial equivalence requirements with respect to intended use, and technological and design characteristics. With reference to all devices cleared through the OAP device classification, the sponsor respectfully proposes that the FDA has acknowledged that Low-Level Laser/Light Therapy is a viable modality for treating androgenic alopecia in both genders and that the red light lasers in class 3R, used in the Capillus devices referenced in this application are substantially equivalent to the predicates. Additionally, no new safety or efficacy concerns are raised due to the minor differences present between devices.
Signed:
Pat Ansel
Patricia Schnoor Director, QA/RA
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.