PRIM&R is generally very pleased with the breadth and aims of the framework. The framework’s third objective, which emphasizes integrity, accountability, and social responsibility in the conduct of science, demonstrates NIH’s clear commitment to the idea that good science is responsible science. Read more
On November 8, 2019, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released its Draft NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing and Supplement Draft Guidance as part of its continuing efforts to ensure public access to research the government conducts and pays for. Today, PRIM&R submitted comments applauding the NIH for taking steps to accelerate data sharing efforts while also offering a few constructive suggestions primarily centered around privacy and funding issues. The comment period closes today, and we encourage interested parties to consider submitting their own comments. Read more
The International Conference of Harmonization (ICH), which is made up of the regulatory bodies and pharmaceutical trade associations of key drug developing countries, recently released their revised “E8(R1) General Considerations for Clinical Studies” document. On September 16, PRIM&R submitted comments approving of ICH’s work to modernize their guidelines and suggesting that the document could benefit from a better discussion of the broad ethical principles that underlie many of the human subject protections the document details. We also recommend that the ICH consider reorganizing some of its guidelines to make it easier for those designing and conducting research to learn more about these fundamental ethical principles and related best practices. If you are based in the United States, we encourage you to consider submitting your own comments on the newly revised E8 document before the September 30 deadline. You are welcome to cite or quote PRIM&R’s comments. Read more
In June, the FDA issued a draft guidance, "Enhancing the Diversity of Clinical Trial Populations—Eligibility Criteria, Enrollment Practices, and Trial Designs." The issuance of this guidance satisfies a mandate of the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 (FDARA), and builds on other recent efforts by the FDA to broaden eligibility criteria for clinical trials and avoid unnecessary exclusions. PRIM&R submitted comments on the guidance this week, and we wanted to share them with you and encourage you to consider submitting your own comments on this important topic—the FDA is accepting comments until August 6. Read more
In March, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a guidance, "Cancer Clinical Trial Eligibility Criteria: Minimum Age for Pediatric Patients." The guidance is one of the latest moves by the agency to expand eligibility criteria, and hence the knowledge base for how drugs work in various populations, for the clinical trials they regulate. It makes recommendations not only for sponsors but also for IRBs. On May 13, PRIM&R submitted comments in response to the draft guidance. PRIM&R also has an upcoming webinar, Pediatric Risk Determination: IRB Considerations and Cases, on Thursday, September 19 that will review considerations for IRBs in assessing the risks and benefits of pediatric studies. Read more
