In case you missed it in April, check out PharmaVoice’s special coverage of commercial IRBs online here.   The article starts on page 50.  Our very own, Gretchen Bowker is quoted in the article!

An intro to the Showcase on IRB article:

“In accordance with federal regulations, an IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or disapprove research. This review serves an important role in the protection of the rights and welfare of human research subjects.
According to the Consortium of Independent Review Boards (CIRB), a nonprofit organization of independent institutional review boards committed to the ethical review of clinical research and the protection of human research participants, the purpose of IRB review is to assure, both in advance and by periodic review, that appropriate steps are taken to protect the rights and welfare of humans participating as subjects in the research. To accomplish this purpose, IRBs use a group process to review research protocols (study plans) and related materials (e.g., informed consent documents and investigator brochures) to ensure protection of the rights and welfare…”