Participating in Clinical Trials

Frequently Asked Questions

27. What organizations exist to protect participants in clinical trials? - cont'd

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Before starting a trial, researchers must get permission from their organization's Institutional Review Board or IRB. IRB members are independent of the study and do not have an interest in how it turns out. The IRB reviews the trial's protocol, or study plan, to look for possible benefits and risks to human subjects. (Answer continues on next page.)