K203826 · Transdermal Cap, Inc. · OAP · Mar 29, 2021 · Physical Medicine
Device Facts
Record ID
K203826
Device Name
LaserCap Family of Lasers 300, 224, 120 & 80
Applicant
Transdermal Cap, Inc.
Product Code
OAP · Physical Medicine
Decision Date
Mar 29, 2021
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 890.5500
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The LaserCap Family of Lasers, models 300, 224, 120 and 80 are indicated to promote hair growth in females with androgenetic alopecia who have Ludwig-Savin Classifications of I - II, and males who have Norwood-Hamilton Classifications of IIa – V and for both, Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes I to IV.
Device Story
LaserCap Family of Lasers (Models 300, 224, 120, 80) are non-heating infrared lamp devices for hair growth promotion. Device consists of a helmet containing diode lasers (650+/-5 nm) powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with an embedded controller chip. Intended for OTC use; patient self-operates by wearing the helmet for 30-minute sessions, every other day, for 16 weeks. Diodes provide coverage to the upper 1/3 of the head. Device is identical to previously cleared prescription versions (K150613, K161875) in optical, electronic, and mechanical function. No clinical data provided; substantial equivalence based on identical design, materials, and therapeutic regime to predicate devices.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical performance data was produced for this submission. The device is identical to the predicate devices, which were previously cleared. Substantial equivalence is supported by technical comparisons of optical, electronic, and mechanical specifications.
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.
Predicate Devices
LaserCap Family of Laser Models 300, 224, 120 and 80 (K150613)
LaserCap Family of Laser Models 300, 224, 120 and 80 (K161875)
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March 29, 2021
Transdermal Cap, Inc. % Raymond Blanche Consultant NST Consultants, Inc. 5 Cold Hill Road South Mendham, New Jersey 07945
Re: K203826
Trade/Device Name: LaserCap Family of Lasers 300, 224, 120 & 80 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5500 Regulation Name: Infrared Lamp Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OAP Dated: November 9, 2020 Received: December 29, 2020
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. 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.
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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 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.
Purva Pandya Assistant Director DHT4A: Division of General Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K203826
Device Name
LaserCap Family of Lasers, Models 300, 224, 120 and 80
Indications for Use (Describe)
Promoting hair growth in females with Androgenetic Alopecia who have Ludwig -Savin Classifications of I-II and males who have Norwood-Hamilton Classifications of Ila - V and for both, Fitzpatrick Classifications of Skin Phototypes of I-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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# 510(k) Summary
# Revised March 24, 2021
### K203826
# Submitter's Contact Information
| Name: | Raymond R. Blanche |
|------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address | NST Consultants, Inc.<br>5 Cold Hill Road South<br>Unit 12<br>Mendham, NJ 07945 |
| Telephone: | (973) 531-6226 |
| Facsimile: | (973) 539-7445 |
### Name of Device and Name/Address of Sponsor
| Trade Name: | Lasercap Family of Lasers, Models 300, 224, 120 and 80 |
|-----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sponsor Contact | Laser Cap Company |
| Information: | Michael Rabin, MD. CEO<br>26 Alpha Park<br>Highland Heights, OH 44143<br>Telephone: 855-424-7774 |
| 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 |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------|
| LaserCap Family of Laser Models 300, 224, 120 and 80<br>(K150613) and (K161875) as Prescription Devices | Transdermal Cap, Inc. |
### Reference Devices:
# The following listed devices have been 510(k) Cleared as OTC Use.
Shapiro MD (K193667)
Cosmo Far East Technology Limited
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Kiierr Family of Lasers 272 and 148 (K181878) Hairmax Laser (K180885) Diode Laser (K173678).
Cosmo Far East Technology Limited Cosmo Far East Technology Limited Cosmo Far East Technology Limited
Date Prepared: March 12, 2021
# Intended Use / Indications for Use
The LaserCap Family of Lasers, models 300, 224, 120 and 80 are indicated to promote hair growth in females with androgenetic alopecia who have Ludwig-Savin Classifications of I - II, and males who have Norwood-Hamilton Classifications of IIa – V and for both, Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes I to IV.
#### Technological Characteristics
The LaserCap Family of Lasers, models 300, 224, 120 and 80 contains the listed number of diode lasers configured within an outer cap helmet and protective inner liner. The use of diode lasers provides for a full coverage of the upper 1/3 of the head i.e., the area commonly covered with stylized hair. The LaserCap models are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack that contains an embedded controller chip. In all other area of design, manufacturing, and aesthetic appearance, the devices are identical, as they are identical to the predicates and one and the same. The only difference between the Laser Models and the proposed device is the designation of Over-the-Counter.
#### Performance Data:
No clinical performance data was produced for this submission because the LaserCap Family of Lasers, Models, 300, 224, 120 and 80 are the same device as the Predicates, the LaserCap Family of Lasers, Models 300, 224, 120 and 80. The proposed devices and predicate devices are IDENTICAL and the same devices offered for sale with the only difference is Rx to OTC. They are the same device in optical, electronic, mechanical function and aesthetic appearance, as well as the same recommended clinical treatment regime. LaserCap Family of Lasers, models, 300, 224, 120 and 80 has chosen to use a similar User Manual as the manufacturer of the 4 Reference Devices. Only the logo and color graphics have been altered to avoid unauthorized use, as well as any copyrighted language. A page-by-page analysis supports this use.
#### Substantial Equivalence
Both the LaserCap Family of Lasers, models 300, 224, 120 and 80 and the predicates use red light diode lasers, 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 stipulates that there is no difference in the physical appearance or in the method of delivering the radiant energy of the two systems and therefore, there are no variations in the therapeutic value or safety profile.
For these reasons, the LaserCap Family of Lasers, Models, 300, 224, 120 and 80 Proposed Devices with an Intended use of OTC and the Predicates with an Intended Use of Rx, overwhelmingly satisfies the FDA's substantial equivalence with respect to intended use, technological and design characteristics.
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## Treatment Protocol
The LaserCap Family of Lasers models 300, 224, 120 and 80 and the identified predicates, possess the same treatment regime of 30 minutes, every other day, on non-consecutive days, for the initial treatment regime of 16 weeks.
The following Comparison Chart in support of substantial equivalence is provided: Predicates Devices (K150613),(K161875)
| Specification Category | LaserCap Family of Lasers<br>(K203826) | LaserCap Family of Lasers (K150613),(K161875)<br>Models 300, 224, 120 and 80 |
|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Proposed Device for OTC Use | Predicate with Rx Indication for Use |
| LLLT Device Type | Laser Diode | Laser Diode |
| Use Application | OTC | Rx |
| Intended Use Androgenetic Alopecia | Androgenetic Alopecia | Androgenetic Alopecia |
| Contain Laser Diodes-Class 3R | 300, 224, 120, 80, 5 milliwatts each. | 300, 224, 120, 80, 5 milliwatts each. |
| Physical Design of Device | Helmet | Helmet |
| Wavelength | 650+/-5 NMS. | 650+/-5 NMS. |
| Marketing Clearance | For females and males, OTC | For females and males Rx |
| Use Type | Passive Use-Hands Free | Passive Use-Hands Free |
| Classification Code | OAP | OAP |
| Classification Name | Infrared Lamp | Infrared Lamp |
| Common Usage Name | Lamp, Non-Heating | Lamp, Non-Heating |
| Classification Panel | General & Plastic Surgery | General & Plastic Surgery |
| Skin Phototypes | I- IV | I- IV |
| Hair Loss Classification | Hamilton-Norwood IIa-V for males<br>Ludwig-Savin I - II for females | Hamilton-Norwood IIa-V for males<br>Ludwig-Savin I – II Hair for females |
| Treatment Regime | 16 weeks, for 30-minute treatment times<br>three times a week, on alternate days. | 16 weeks, for 30-minute treatment times<br>three times a week, on alternate days. |
| Device Class | II | II |
The data presented in the Comparison Chart, demonstrates that the LaserCap Family of Lasers, models 300, 224, 120 and 80 are identical and equivalent, to the predicates, the same devices Cleared with an Rx Intended Use. Based on this comparison and determination, the sponsor requests the FDA to clear the device via the 510(k) notice.
## Over - The - Counter Testing Program
No OTC testing was performed for this submission because the User Manual and packaging contents for the predicates and reference devices, are substantially equivalent to the Reference Devices. While some of the language contained in the User Manuals of the Reference devices may differ, these differences do not alter the Self Selection, Hazards and Precautions, or Usability criteria. The only major exception is color and logo of the subject device literature. The graphic changes do not alter the User Manual, the key variable in any OTC testing evaluation. The aesthetic appearance of the proposed devices devices and the
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reference devices all use the same exterior black shell and interior clear shells. The dimensions of the shells are also equivalent.
# Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing Performance
The LaserCap Family of Lasers, Models 300, 224, 120 and 80 were evaluated for conformance to recognized international standards.
Biocompatibility, electrical safety and EMC testing is not needed in this submission because the subject device is identical to the predicate devices in these aspects.
## Shelf Life
The Usable life expectancy for this device is 10,000 hours based on the specifications for the laser diode and 5 years for the overall usable life of the LaserCap Family of Lasers, Models 300, 224, 120 and 80.
## Conclusion
Based on the technical comparisons between the LaserCap Family of Lasers, models 300, 224, 120 and 80, 510(k) Cleared for Rx Use (K150613), (K161875) are the same as the Proposed devices, only with a new Intended Use as OTC. It can be concluded that the proposed devices are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices in technical specifications. Since the proposed devices are currently being marketed with a prescription-use indication, therefore, with no modifications in manufacturing, the proposed devices and predicates do not raise any issues of safety or efficacy.
The summary includes the conclusions drawn from the nonclinical tests (discussed above) that demonstrate that the devices are as safe and as effective and perform as well as or better than the predicate devices.
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.