VersaCoat Tendon Protector is indicated for the management and protection of tendon injuries in which there has been no substantial loss of tendon tissue. The device may also be used to manage and protect surrounding tissues such as ligament and skeletal muscle. In these procedures, the device may encounter implanted structures such as anchors, grafts, staples, or sutures.
Device Story
Absorbable implant; functions as gelatinous interface between injured tendon and surrounding tissues. Consists of alginate/hyaluronic acid hydrogel pellet and aqueous citrate wetting solution. Hydration of pellet with solution creates viscous, flowable, tissue-adherent gel. Applied by clinician during surgery to provide non-constricting, protective encasement; acts as physical barrier to separate damaged tissues during healing. Provides gliding surface. Single-use; supplied sterile. Benefits patient by facilitating healing through physical separation of tissues.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance testing included visual inspection, dimensional/weight measurements, gel integrity, handling, and tissue adherence/conformance. Biocompatibility testing performed per ISO 10993 standards, including cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, acute systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, genotoxicity, subchronic toxicity, and muscle implantation toxicity.
Technological Characteristics
Absorbable hydrogel (alginate and hyaluronic acid) and aqueous citrate wetting solution. Supplied sterile, non-pyrogenic, single-use. Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-3, 5, 6, 10, 11. Physical barrier/gliding surface principle. No electronic components or software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for management and protection of tendon injuries without substantial tissue loss; also for management/protection of surrounding ligament and skeletal muscle tissue. Applicable where implanted structures like anchors, grafts, staples, or sutures are present.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Surgical mesh is a metallic or polymeric screen intended to be implanted to reinforce soft tissue or bone where weakness exists. Examples of surgical mesh are metallic and polymeric mesh for hernia repair, and acetabular and cement restrictor mesh used during orthopedic surgery.
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FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
July 18, 2025
Alafair Biosciences
Sarah Mayes
Chief Scientific Officer
6101 W Courtyard Dr
Ste 1-225
Austin, Texas 78730
Re: K251655
Trade/Device Name: VersaCoat Tendon Protector (VTP-44G2); VersaCoat Tendon Protector (VTP-12G1)
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.3300
Regulation Name: Surgical Mesh
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: OWW
Dated: May 30, 2025
Received: May 30, 2025
Dear Sarah Mayes:
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 (the 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 available 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.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
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K251655 - Sarah Mayes
Page 2
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
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 device-related adverse events) (21 CFR Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reporting-combination-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 Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rule"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-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/medical-devices/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
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K251655 - Sarah Mayes
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the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/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,
CHRISTOPHER FERREIRA -S
Christopher Ferriera, M.S.
Assistant Director
DHT6C: Division of Restorative,
Repair, and Trauma Devices
OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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VersaCoat Tendon Protector
| Indications for Use | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Please type in the marketing application/submission number, if it is known. This textbox will be left blank for original applications/submissions. | K251655 | ? |
| Please provide the device trade name(s). | | ? |
| VersaCoat Tendon Protector (VTP-44G2);
VersaCoat Tendon Protector (VTP-12G1) | | |
| Please provide your Indications for Use below. | | ? |
| VersaCoat Tendon Protector is indicated for the management and protection of tendon injuries in which there has been no substantial loss of tendon tissue. The device may also be used to manage and protect surrounding tissues such as ligament and skeletal muscle. In these procedures, the device may encounter implanted structures such as anchors, grafts, staples, or sutures. | | |
| Please select the types of uses (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
K#251655
Prepared on: July 14, 2025
| Contact Details | |
| --- | --- |
| Submitted by: | Alafair Biosciences, Inc.
6101 W Courtyard Drive Ste. 1-225
Austin, TX 78730 |
| Contact: | Dr. Sarah Mayes
Alafair Biosciences Inc.
6101 W Courtyard Dr Ste 1-225
Austin TX 78730 United States
Phone: 512-739-9510
Email: info@alafairbiosciences.com |
| Device Name | |
| Product Name | VersaCoat Tendon Protector |
| Common Name | Surgical Mesh |
| Classification number | 21 CFR 878.3300 |
| Product Code | OWW |
| Legally Marketed Predicate Device | |
| VersaWrap Tendon Protector (K240817) | |
| Device Description Summary | |
| VersaCoat Tendon Protector is an absorbable implant (device) designed to function as a gelatinous interface between an injured tendon and surrounding tissues, providing a non-constricting, protective encasement for injured tendons. VersaCoat Tendon Protector consists of a Hydrogel Pellet and Wetting Solution. The Pellet is a hollow, cylindrical hydrogel of alginate and hyaluronic acid. The Pellet is easy to handle and is designed for quick hydration with the Wetting Solution. The Pellet is supplied sterile, non-pyrogenic, for single use, in double peel pouches. The Wetting Solution hydrates the Pellet, rendering a viscous, flowable, tissue-adherent gel. The Wetting Solution is aqueous citrate and is provided in a dropper packaged in a double peel pouch. The Wetting Solution is sterile, non-pyrogenic, and is intended for single use only. A sterile container (dual syringe system) is offered and may be used to facilitate hydration of the Pellet with Wetting Solution. | |
| Intended Use/Indications for Use | |
| VersaCoat Tendon Protector is indicated for the management and protection of tendon injuries in which there has been no substantial loss of tendon tissue. The device may also be used to manage and protect surrounding tissues such as ligament and skeletal muscle. In these procedures, the device may encounter implanted structures such as anchors, grafts, staples, or sutures. | |
| Principle of Operation | |
| The mechanism of action of VersaCoat Tendon Protector is to manage tendon injuries, and surrounding tissue such as ligament and skeletal muscle, by providing a gliding surface and by keeping damaged tissues physically separated during healing | |
| Functional and Safety Testing | |
| To verify that device design met functional and performance requirements, representative samples of the device underwent bench testing in accordance to applicable standards and guidance. These data provide an acceptable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of VersaCoat Tendon Protector and demonstrate that the device is equivalent to the predicate. Biocompatibility studies have demonstrated that VersaCoat Tendon Protector is non- | |
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| cytotoxic, non-pyrogenic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing, non-toxic, and non-genotoxic. Results of bench testing studies have demonstrated that the VersaCoat Tendon Protector alginate-hyaluronic acid flowable matrix provides a protective interface to protect injured tendon. Endotoxin testing is performed for each production Lot per an established sampling plan. |
| --- |
| Non-Clinical and/or Clinical Tests Summary & Conclusions |
| The following tests were performed to support substantial equivalence.
Performance Testing, including:
• Visual inspection
• Dimensional and weight measurements
• Gel integrity
• Handling
• Tissue adherence and conformance |
| Biocompatibility Testing, including:
• Cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5)
• Sensitization (ISO 10993-10)
• Irritation - Intracutaneous Reactivity (ISO10993-10)
• Acute Systemic Toxicity (ISO10993-11)
• Pyrogenicity (ISO 10993-11)
• Genotoxicity (ISO 10993-3)
• Subchronic toxicity (13 weeks, ISO 10993-11 and ISO 10993-6)
• Muscle implantation toxicity/irritation (ISO 10993-6) |
| Comparative Technology Characteristics |
| A comparison of the subject device and the predicate device demonstrates equivalent technological characteristics. Equivalence is based upon intended use, indications for use, materials of construction, operating principle, fundamental scientific technology, and performance. When implanted, the subject and predicate device are identical. Minor technological characteristic differences do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness. |
| Conclusion |
| No new questions of safety or effectiveness were identified during device testing; therefore, the VersaCoat Tendon Protector device is considered substantially equivalent to the predicate device(s) in terms of safety and effectiveness. |
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.