FDA'S Conduct,Review,and Evaluation of Inspections of Clinical Investigators

This review of the Food and Drug Administration's Bioresearch Monitoring Program focuses on the inspection of clinical investigators who study investigational drugs. The differences between routine, “for-cause,” and bioequivalency/bioavailability inspections are examined, with emphasis on the responsibilities of the clinical investigator, reasons for conducting the inspections, and problems found. Important aspects of the inspection report, such as protocol adherence, records maintenance, informed consent, institutional review board approval, and drug accountability, are outlined. The disqualification and consent agreement processes for investigators with serious problems are explained. FDA policies on third-party notification and remote data entry are noted.