Validation of artificial intelligence containing products across the regulated healthcare industries

Abstract: Purpose: The introduction of artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML) products to the regulated fields of pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) and drug manufacture, and medical devices (MD) and in-vitro diagnostics (IVD), poses new regulatory problems: a lack of a common terminology and understanding leads to confusion, delays and product failures. Validation as a key step in product development, common to each of these sectors including computerized systems and AI/ML development, offers an opportune point of comparison for aligning people and processes for cross-sectoral product development. Methods: A comparative approach, built upon workshops and a subsequent written sequence of exchanges, summarized in a look-up table suitable for mixed-teams work. Results: 1. A bottom-up, definitions led, approach which leads to a distinction between broad vs narrow validation, and their relationship to regulatory regimes. 2. Common basis introduction to the primary methodologies for AI-containing software validation. 3. Pharmaceutical drug development and MD/IVD specific perspectives on compliant AI software development, as a basis for collaboration. Conclusions: Alignment of the terms and methodologies used in validation of software products containing artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML) components across the regulated industries of human health is a vital first step in streamlining processes and improving workflows.