IRB Review of Expanded Access Request Guide
FDA has posted a guidance entitled “Institutional Review Board (IRB) Review of Individual Patient Expanded Access Submissions for Investigational Drugs and Biological Products.” The document says that IRB review of an expanded access (compassionate use) submission for an individual patient should focus on the key factors needed to assess the risks and benefits of treatment for the particular patient. “The information reviewed by the IRB must be adequate to assess whether risks to the patient have been minimized and that such risks are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits,” it says. It also notes that FDA regulations (21 CFR 56.111) outline the criteria for IRB approval of research.