ICH E6 (R1) is a guideline titled "Good Clinical Practice: Consolidated Guideline" with the reference number CPMP/ICH/135/95. This guideline was developed by the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). It provides a comprehensive framework for the conduct of clinical trials, focusing on the principles of good clinical practice (GCP). GCP is essential to ensuring the ethical, scientific, and quality standards in the design, conduct, recording, and reporting of clinical trials involving human subjects. Here's an elaboration of ICH E6 (R1):
1. Purpose:
The primary purpose of ICH E6 (R1) is to establish internationally recognized standards for the conduct of clinical trials, promoting the safety and well-being of trial participants and the reliability of trial results. It also aims to facilitate the acceptance of clinical trial data by regulatory authorities worldwide.
2. Applicability:
ICH E6 (R1) is applicable to all clinical trials conducted to support the development and registration of pharmaceutical products for human use. This includes trials for new investigational drugs, biologics, and medical devices.
3. Guiding Principles:
The guideline is founded on several fundamental principles, including the protection of human rights and safety, the scientific integrity of trials, and the credibility of data generated from trials.
4. Ethical Considerations:
ICH E6 (R1) underscores the importance of ethical considerations in clinical trial conduct. It emphasizes the need for informed consent from trial subjects and the involvement of an independent ethics committee or institutional review board (IRB).
5. Responsibilities:
The guideline defines the responsibilities of various stakeholders in clinical trials, including sponsors, investigators, and ethics committees. Each party has specific roles and obligations to ensure the integrity of the trial.
6. Investigator Responsibilities:
It outlines the responsibilities of investigators, including the conduct of the trial in accordance with the protocol, adequate protection of subjects' rights and safety, and the accurate and complete documentation of trial data.
7. Essential Documents:
ICH E6 (R1) lists essential documents that must be maintained during and after the trial. These documents include the protocol, investigator's brochure, informed consent forms, and clinical trial reports.
8. Clinical Trial Protocol:
The guideline emphasizes the importance of a well-defined and scientifically sound clinical trial protocol. The protocol serves as the foundation for the trial and includes details about the study design, objectives, methodology, and statistical considerations.
9. Adverse Event Reporting:
The guideline provides guidance on the reporting of adverse events and serious adverse events during the trial. It emphasizes the need for timely reporting to regulatory authorities, ethics committees, and trial subjects.
10. Data Quality and Integrity:
- ICH E6 (R1) stresses the importance of data quality and integrity in clinical trials. It outlines procedures for data collection, handling, and verification to ensure the accuracy and reliability of trial data.
11. Audits and Inspections:
- The guideline discusses the potential for audits and inspections of trial conduct by regulatory authorities. It highlights the need for sponsors and investigators to cooperate fully during such activities.
12. Amendments to the Protocol:
- The guideline provides guidance on making amendments to the trial protocol, emphasizing the importance of protocol amendments being approved by ethics committees and documented appropriately.
13. Regulatory Authority Inspections:
- ICH E6 (R1) acknowledges that regulatory authorities may inspect trial sites and sponsor facilities to verify compliance with GCP standards.
14. Investigational Product:
- The guideline addresses the handling and accountability of investigational products, including their storage, dispensing, and documentation.
15. Archiving:
- It provides recommendations on the archiving of essential documents to ensure the long-term preservation of trial records.
In summary, ICH E6 (R1) is a comprehensive guideline that sets forth internationally recognized standards for the conduct of clinical trials. Compliance with these standards is essential for ensuring the safety of trial participants, the credibility of trial data, and the successful development and regulatory approval of pharmaceutical products for human use