What is one of the primary responsibilities of an IRB/IEC in clinical research?

One of the primary responsibilities of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Independent Ethics Committee (IEC) in clinical research is to oversee the ethical treatment of research participants. This role involves reviewing research proposals to ensure that the rights, welfare, and safety of participants are adequately protected. The IRB/IEC assesses whether the informed consent process is appropriate and ensures that the potential benefits of the research justify any risks involved. This oversight is a crucial aspect of maintaining ethical standards in clinical research, aiming to uphold participants' dignity and autonomy throughout the study.

The other choices do not align with the fundamental purpose of an IRB/IEC. Profitability, marketing strategies, and funding support relate more to the operational and business aspects of clinical trials rather than the core mission of monitoring ethical practices in research involving human subjects.