Who reviews clinical trial protocols under PhRMA guidelines?

The review of clinical trial protocols under PhRMA (Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America) guidelines is conducted by independent Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and national health authorities. This process is crucial for ensuring the protection of human subjects involved in the trials, as well as the integrity and ethical conduct of the research.

Independent IRBs consist of members who are not directly affiliated with the trial sponsors, allowing for an unbiased evaluation of the study’s design, potential risks, and ethical considerations. National health authorities play a regulatory role, ensuring that the protocol complies with national standards and guidelines for clinical research, which can include considerations for public safety and therapeutic efficacy.

In contrast, while researchers and the pharmaceutical company funding the trial may have insights and inputs regarding the protocol, their reviews may lack the necessary objectivity and oversight that independent reviews provide. Peer researchers can contribute to the field through publications and discussions, but they typically do not have the authority or structure to evaluate clinical trial protocols comprehensively.