Why are we seeing more Independent Data Safety Monitoring (DMC) use in Clinical Research - Webinar By MentorHealth March 5, 2013

Overview: All Clinical Research protocols have a prominent safety monitoring "plan" as part of the overall research plan / protocol. This "plan" is to ensure the safety of participating subjects and to ensure the validity and integrity of the data. Safety monitoring is mandated in 21 CFR 312.50, 312.56, and 600.80 for drugs and biologics and 21 CFR 812.40 and 812.46 for devices. Depending on the nature of the test agent, the vulnerability of the study population, the length of the study, or the number of sites conducting the clinical study. The "Plan" increasingly has the "Charter" of what is called a Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) or Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB).

DMC's and their composition play an increasingly important roll in both multi-center studies and where there are expected or possible adverse events. With the increasing globalization of IMP development and increasing complexity of new agents, the FDA has increasingly recommended and sometimes mandated that a DMC be involved to advise the sponsor regarding subject safety. The "Stopping Rules" are an important element in a DMC function. The overriding reason for a carefully selected (no Conflict of Interest) Independent DMC is to promote and guarantee human subject safety as well as data integrity.

It is important to see what the FDA regulations and the ICH GCP recommendations are in regard to DMC's. Most importantly, when does an adverse event (AE) or string of AE's lead to changes in a study protocol or even discontinuation of a study.

Why should you attend: With the increasing requirements for a DMC oversight it behooves all involved to know the set-up and function of these committees. Forewarned is forearmed.

Areas Covered in the Session:
The historical background of why Data and Safety monitoring is essential
The purpose of the Data and Safety monitoring plan
The Regulatory requirements for safety monitoring
Studies requiring a formal Safety Monitoring Committee
What does the "Charter" of a DMC compose of?
What is the composition and function of a DMC?
What types of studies "require" a DMC?
Importance of avoiding a Conflict of interest in the DMC members

Who Will Benefit:
Pharmaceutical, Biological and device companies with an active pipeline of products and planning on global studies
Principal Investigators and sub investigators
Clinical Research Scientists
Research Managers
Safety Nurses
Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) and Coordinators (CRCs)
Recruiting Staff
QA / QC Auditors and staff
Study Monitors
Clinical Research Data managers
Charles H. Pierce, MD, PhD, FCP, CPI is a consultant in the Clinical Research / Drug-Device Development arena specializing in bringing the message of GCP Regulations and Investigator Responsibility to the entire investigative team to help them understand the regulations as well as the ethics of research involving human subjects. Dr. Pierce serves as an advisor to several clinical research organizations, sits on industry based boards, and is VP of Medical Affairs for Harrison Clinical Research GmbH, a global CRO headquartered in Munich. He has been in the Clinical Research Industry for 20 years, has been involved in developing Phase I & IIa Clinical Pharmacology Units, Investigator and staff GCP training, and medical monitoring in both drug and device studies.

For more info visit the site http://alturl.com/wvah5