1 protection of human research subjects: a key investigator responsibility charles h. pierce, md,...
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Protection of Human Research Subjects:
A Key Investigator Responsibility
Charles H. Pierce, MD, PhD, CPI
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What you can expect: Drug Development overview Protecting Human Subjects is the key
Why human Study Participants need protecting FDA form 1572 Protected Health Information
International Conference on Harmonization Investigator Responsibilities: everything including
• Adverse Events• Informed Consent Form and process• Source documents, • Safety reporting
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Phases of Clinical Drug Development
I IIa IIb III FDA IV
SubjectsHealthyNormals
First timein Patients
Patients Patients Patients
Number 20 - 100 25 - 75 50 - 200 >300 >1,000
Measures
Dosage,Kinetics,Safety,
Equivalence
Dose range,M O A
Efficacy,Safety
Efficacy,Safety
Efficacy,Safety
Efficacy,Safety,
New uses
Value Kinetics,Dynamics
Proof ofConcept
Confirmmechanism
of action
Confirmusefulness
ReviewApprove ordisapprove
Surveillance,extend patent
expand market
Cost(Millions)
$8 $12 $7 $43 ?Varies with
The drug andits use
Time(Years)
1 - 1.5 1 1 - 1.5 3 - 6 2 - 3 1 - 2
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Physician Investigators
Have a dual responsibility and a potential conflict of commitment, if not interest
• Goal of clinical care is to diagnose, treat, and cure disease or to reduce pain and suffering in individual patients - Patient care oriented.
• The goal of clinical research is to systematically collect information from groups of persons to produce generalizable findings to ….. . . . in a whole population - Drug effect oriented
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Achieving Ethical Clarity
To view clinical trials as therapeutic and as falling under the physician-patient relationship because some aspects of research are associated with care constitutes an ethical distortion that ought to be scrupulously resisted
Miller & Rosenstein, NEJM 2003; 348(14):1383-1386
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Patient Perceptions Whites Blacks
Believe they could be used as 52 80
“guinea pigs” for medical research
Do NOT trust doctor to fully 23 42
explain their participation on a study
Docs would enroll patients on a 20 37
research study that was harmful
Do not feel they can freely ask or 8 15
question their doctors
G. Corbie-Smith et al, Arch Int Med;162:2458,2002
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Guarantees to Protection Physicians and Nurses are an integral part of the
process of clinical research – built in privacy + HIPAA
Independent oversight committee (the IRB / IEC)
Informed Consent is a process not just a signature
Principles of GCP in research with human subjects
Conflict of Interest (CoI) guidelines
Data & Safety Monitoring Plans (DSMP) / Boards (DSMB)
Research Subject Advocacy (RSA) program
Physician Investigator certification (CPI, CI) is available
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The power of Law: the 1572Signing a 1572 is the PI’s commitment in writing that
she/he will be responsible for the study in question; totally responsible and for everything
This means she/he agrees to follow: 21 CFR 50 - Informed Consent process 21 CFR 56 - IRB does what it should 21 CFR 312
21 CFR 312.64 - AE reporting 21 CFR 312.62 - Record keeping 21 CFR 312.68 - Being audit ready
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The commitments of the 1572 Personally conduct or supervise the investigation
Ensure that all associates, colleagues, and employees assisting in the study conduct are informed of obligations
Conduct the study in accordance with the protocol
Comply with all requirements / obligations of the PI including preparation and maintenance of study records
Inform the SP of the investigational nature of the study
Ensure that the IC process is clear / valid and all IRB requirements are met
Accurately report all AE’s to the sponsor
Read and understand the Investigators Brochure (IB)
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PHI Protection Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act (Aug 96 - 14 Apr 2003)
Effects the collection, recording, transmission, and storage of patient health information
The effect is your ability to access and use this information for research
Protected Health Information (PHI)
Individual identifiable health information past, present, or future physical or mental health condition in any medium (oral, paper, or e)
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HIPAA means One obtains “permission” to use PHI
Authorization to use PHI for research Waiver to use the information for …. De-Identified data: the list is not short Prior agreement to use the data or limited use OK to use for SOC including payments
Subject has access to the records The right to inspect and copy Access may be suspended during trail conduct
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International Conference on Harmonization - ICH
The Efficacy topics concern the Clinical Investigator. They are: ICH -
E1 - Exposure of the agent to populations
E2 - Clinical Safety
E3 - Study Reports - structure and content
E4 - Dose Response Studies
E5 - Ethnic Factors in acceptance of data
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ICH E6 Topics
E6 - Good Clinical Practice
1. Glossary 2. Principles of ICH GCP 3. The IRB / IEC 4. The Investigator 5. The Sponsor 6. The Trial Protocol and Amendments 7. The Investigators Brochure 8. Essential Documents
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ICH E6 Topics
E7 - Special Populations e.g. Geriatrics
E8 - Clinical Trial Design general considerations
E9 - Statistical Principles of Clinical Trials
E10 - Choice of Control group in clinical trials
E11 - Pediatrics
E12 - Therapeutic categories• E12A is Clinical trials on antihypertensives
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GCP and the Investigator
E6 - Good Clinical Practice
1. Glossary 2. Principles of ICH GCP 3. The IRB / IEC 4. The Investigator 5. The Sponsor 6. The Trial Protocol and Amendments 7. The Investigators Brochure 8. Essential Documents
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Investigator Responsibilities ICH - E6
4.1 - Investigators Qualifications
4.2 - Adequacy of Resources
4.3 - Medical Care of Study Participants
4.4 - Communication with the IRB / IEC
4.5 - Compliance with the Protocol
4.6 - Investigational Product care
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Investigator Responsibilities ICH - E6
4.7 - Randomization & unblinding proced.
4.8 - The Informed Consent
4.9 - Records and Reports
4.10 - Progress Reports
4.11 - Safety Reporting
4.12 - Stopping or suspending a study
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Investigator Responsibilities ICH - E6
4.1 - Investigators Qualifications
– Properly qualified to assume the responsibilities for conduct of the study.
– Very familiar with the drug under investigation
– Will comply with Regulations and be prepared for audits and monitoring
– Has available detailed list of all to whom responsibility is delegated
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Investigator Responsibilities - E6
4.2 - Adequacy of Resources
– Can recruit SP in sufficient numbers & on time
– There is enough time to complete the study
– There are enough qualified staff and adequate facilities to complete the study
– The staff are well informed about the Test Agent and the Protocol
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Investigator Responsibilities - E6
4.3 - Medical Care of Study Participants
– All medical decisions are made by qualified physicians
– All medical acts are performed by qualified physicians
– The Investigator is responsible for care of SP when there are “Adverse Events”*
– The primary physician of the SP is notified regarding the participation of their patient on the (or a) study
– The Study Physician knows when and why a Study Participant leaves a study - accounting for all SP
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Adverse Events are: Signs which are asymptomatic findings as: changes
in BP, temperature, rashes, etc.
Symptoms represent a change in function such as unsteady gait, lightheadedness, nausea, HA
Lab result of concern i.e. well beyond the reference range for the protocol or judgment
Inter- current Illness occurring while on study even if (the usual case) unrelated to the test medication
Study conditions causing or contributing to an abnormality i.e. shivering, hematoma, fainting...
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Investigator Responsibilities - E6
4.4 - Communication with the IRB / IEC
– Written approval is obtained before the Study begins
– Informed Consent is in the language of the SP
– The IRB has a current Investigators Brochure
– The IRB has all documents when needed
– The IRB is immediately informed of SAE (deaths etc)
– Protocol amendments are submitted on time
– The IRB / IEC gets an annual report of each study
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Investigator Responsibilities - E6
4.5 - Compliance with the Protocol
– Has signed Protocol confirming agreement to comply with it to the letter
– Has not deviated from the Protocol without written agreement from the sponsor and the IRB / IEC
– Has documented each and every deviation (for subject safety reasons) from the protocol when it occurs
– Implements deviations to avoid risk but immediately submits amendments to IRB, Sponsor and the FDA
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Investigator Responsibilities - E6
4.6 - Investigational Product care
– Accepts responsibility for the product, its usage, and its storage according to the Protocol
– Only a Pharmacist involved under PI’s supervision
– Explains to SP, and uses test agent, properly only
– Detailed records of test agents use kept throughout the study
– Retained unused test agent and destroy only under the written instruction from the sponsor
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Investigator Responsibilities - E6
4.7 - Randomization and unblinding procedure
– The study randomization procedures (documented in the protocol) are followed exactly
– The randomization code is only broken in accordance with the protocol
– If the study was blinded, any unblinding was documented and sponsor notified in writing
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Investigator Responsibilities - E6
4.8 - The Informed Consent
– Insure that the declaration of Helsinki and the principles of GCP are adhered to
– Insure that there is no coercion, of subjects to be on, or stay on, a study at any time
– Insure SP understanding* of the information they are presented by you or your designees
– Insure that the Informed Consent is signed and dated by the SP or SP’s legal representative
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Informed Consent “Process” Assure the sponsor that the IRB is functioning in
compliance with 21 CFR 56
Seek consent only under circumstances that provide sufficient opportunity to consider whether or not to participate - 21 CFR 50.20
The process must minimize the possibility of coercion or undue influence
Provide the ICF in a language understandable to the subject – 6th grade reading level recommended
Insure that the ICF contains no exculpatory language
Confirm that the ICF contains all of the required elements – 21 CFR 50.25
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Essential Elements of an ICFCFR 50.25 - Essential elements of an “informed consent”
That the study is research
The risks and discomforts are described
The benefits for subject and others
Disclosure of alternative therapies or procedures
Statement regarding confidentiality of the records
Explanation of what will happen on the study
Who to contact for questions and their rights
That participation is completely voluntary
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Essential Elements of an ICFCFR 50.25 - Additional (read: also essential) elements of
an “informed consent” are statements which state:
Statement regarding risks to the SP, an embryo, or fetus;
The circumstances regarding termination of the subjects participation without their consent;
Any additional costs to the subject resulting from participation in the research study;
The consequences of withdrawal and tests that would need to be completed;
Statement regarding disclosure of new information as it becomes available;
The approximate number of subjects involved in the study
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Investigator Responsibilities - E6
4.9 - Records and Reports
– Data is ALCOA (accurate, legible, contemporaneous, original and attributable) and complete
– Data on the CRF’s is consistent with (exactly the same as) that of the source documents (raw data)
– All changes to a CRF are dated and signed such that the original data is not obscured
– Essential documents are retained at least 2 years after the last approval of the test agent for market
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It’s the Data, s….. How and where the data is recorded is the Key
Good, auditable data is “ALCOA”
Accurate Legible Contemporaneous Original Attributable
If it is not documented, it does not exist
Source Documents
Source documents are original documents and records for each study subject. Be clear - this is any and all original documents
Their purpose is to verify the existence of the subject and verify the integrity of collected data.
Source DocumentsExamples:
All Study related Medical Hx and Px forms Demography sheets Dosing documentation sheets Blood draw recording sheets Vital sign recording sheets Subject diaries Notes to file Laboratory records Phone records (even yellow sticky’s) Study related data even on scrap paper
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Source DocumentsOther Administrative points:
Never erase or overwrite – use single horizontal line to strike through unwanted words etc.
No blank spaces on any page
All loose pages are identified clearly
All entries are legible and self explanatory
Corrections are clearly and consistently made
Subject / patient identifiers are consistent
All loose pages are identified clearly
All entries are initialed and dated when done
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The Handling of data is Important
Corrections: documentation CPierce 25 Jun04
Clear documantation is …
Date Format goal is to be unambiguous:Day = 2 digits
Month = 3 letters
Year = 2 digits i.e. 25/Jun/04 or 25-Jun-04
08/Sep/03 or 08-Sep-03
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Investigator Responsibilities - E6
4.10 - Progress Reports
– A written report is submitted to the IRB /IEC at least annually is required but….
• Low Risk – yearly is OK• Moderate Risk – twice a year• High Risk – monthly to quarterly as needed
– A written report is submitted to the IRB / IEC if the PI notes any change that might significantly change the conduct of the trial
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Investigator Responsibilities - E6
4.11 - Safety Reporting
– All SAE’s are immediately reported to the sponsor and followed up by a written report forthwith
– Study Participants are not to be identified to anyone
– All AE’s critical to the safety evaluation are reported to the sponsor per protocol
– The sponsor and the IRB are given all details in the event of a death of a SP while on study
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Monitoring Data Safety Subject Safety under the microscope
Data & Safety Monitoring Plans (DMP, DSMP)
Data & Safety Monitoring Committee (DMC, DSMB)
- Separate and independent - No conflict of interest (scientific, financial, etc)
When to discontinue a study – one of the main functions of a DSMB is to establish “stopping rules”:
Clear evidence of harm or harmful AE’s No likelihood of demonstrating benefit Overwhelming evidence of benefit
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Aims of a DSMPTo ensure the safety of all participating
subjects to the greatest extent possible
On-going oversight and monitoring of the conduct of a study
To ensure the validity and integrity of the data
To periodically decide whether of not the study should continue or be stopped
To specify the responsibilities and charter of the DSMB if one is required
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Adverse Events (AE’s)AE’s are one of the key ways the Clinical Investigator
has of monitoring the safety of subjects or patients in her/his charge.
Determining the relationship between the study drug and an AE requires not only the physicians power of observation but great care.
The algorithm: 1 - Likely / almost certainly
2 - Probably
3 - Possibly
4 - Unlikely / remotely possible
5 - Unrelated
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Investigator Responsibilities - E6
4.12 - Premature stopping or suspending a study
– All SP are informed if a study is terminated or even suspended
– The institution, the sponsor, and the IRB are informed in writing if the PI terminates the study
– The institution and the IRB are informed in writing if the sponsor terminates the study
– The institution and the sponsor are informed in writing if the IRB terminates the study
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Investigator Responsibilities - E6
4.13 - Final Report(s) by Investigator– The Principal Investigator is expected to file a
written report at the conclusion of a study
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Final Report
Upon completion of the study, the investigator must notify the IRB and the sponsor.
The final report should contain the introduction, description of the methods, results, and discussion of the findings.
Of greatest importance to the Investigator is the section dealing with the effect of the test article on the Study Participants as reflected in the AE / test article relationship
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What the FDA is Finding Protocol is not followed - I/E criteria, tests & timing,
route of admin., timing of events
Informed Consent inadequacies - Timing, elements missing, risks listed, copies
Test article accountability problems - Dispensing, inventory & receipt records
Reporting deficiencies - AE’s, final reports, Yearly IRB reporting
IRB approvals missing - Timing, amendments, ICFs, Advertising
Records in disarray - Corrections, storage requirements, equipment maintenance
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An Answer Investigator Certification
AAPP - Certified Physician Investigator (CPI) ACRP - Certified Clin. Res. Investigator (CCRI) SoCRA - Certified Clin. Res. Professional (CCRP) DIA - Certified Clinical Investigator (CCI)
Study Personnel CertificationACRP - CCRA (’95), CCRC (’92)SoCRA - CCRP (’91)
IRB Certification
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Summary
The overall role of the clinical investigation team is to protect the rights and safety of volunteers and patients enrolled in studies.
Moreover, the clinical investigation team is charged with ensuring that the data obtained from trial subjects is accurate and valid.
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Clinical InvestigatorResponsibilities
In the end…
…a physician doing clinical research is still a physician with all that that entails. She/he
takes great care in all aspects of the care of those with whom she/he is responsible. This
care includes accurate record keeping, patient safety and clear documentation of
ones thought process
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Addendum
The Drug / Adverse Event
relationship algorithm
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AE / Study Drug Relationship Algorithm
1 - Likely / almost certainly
2 - Probably
3 - Possibly
4 - Unlikely / remotely possible
5 - Unrelated
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1 - Likely / almost certainly
a causal relationship exists when the event:
- is a well known effect of the drug (PDR, IB)
- follows a clear temporal sequence from the
drugs administration
- ceases with discontinuation of the test agent
(and reoccurs on restarting)
- is not related to study / environment
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2 - Probably
A causal relationship exists when the event:
- is a known or suspected effect of the drug
- follows a reasonable temporal sequence from
the test med’s administration
- ceases or diminishes with discontinuation of
the study medication
- cannot be readily explained by Study
participant or study factors
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3 - Possibly
A causal relationship exists when the event:
- is a known, or possible, effect of the drug
- follows a fair temporal sequence from the
drug’s administration; but
- could be explained by subject/patient or
study factors
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4 - Unlikely/remotely possible
That a causal relationship exists when the event:
- is not known, or suspected to be an effect of the test medication; or
- is a possible or known effect of the drug but does not follow a reasonable time
sequence from the drug’s administration
- can be readily explained by either Study Participant or study factors
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5 - Unrelated
as a causal relationship when the event:
- is not known to be an effect of the test agent; and
- does not follow a temporal sequence from the drug’s administration; and
- can be readily explained by study participant and / or study factors