Back to Explorer

Frequently Asked Questions - IRB Registration: Guidance for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

FinalOffice of the Commissioner,Office of Clinical Policy and Programs,Office of Clinical Policy,Office of Good Clinical Practice07/09/2009

Description

This guidance is intended to assist institutional review boards (IRBs) in complying with the new requirement for IRB registration.  (See 74 FR 2358 (Jan. 15, 2009))  This requirement is an amendment to Part 56, Institutional Review Boards, (21 CFR 56.106), that requires each IRB in the United States (U.S.) that reviews FDA-regulated studies to register.  IRB registration information is entered into an Internet-based registration system maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  This system is a modification of the one used by the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) for registration of IRBs that are designated by institutions under Federalwide Assurances (FWAs).  OHRP has issued a similar rule requiring IRBs designed under FWAs to register or update their registration information at this modified site.  (See 74 FR 2399 (Jan. 15, 2009))

Scope & Applicability

Product Classes

6
Medical devices

Subject to mandatory recall provisions

Human drugs

Medical products for the treatment of SLE.; Requires at least two adequate and well-controlled trials

Biological products

development program for drug and biological products

In Vitro Diagnostic

IVD device clinical studies conducted on de-identified specimens

Investigational Device Exemptions

Device studies that may be conducted with only IRB approval

Investigational New Drug

Drug trials conducted under an IND

Stakeholders

4
Clinical Investigator

Veterinarian responsible for selecting anesthetic regimens and conducting field studies

Sponsor

Entity responsible for submitting applications under section 524B

Institutional Review Board

Governs top dose in clinical studies

Institutional Review Boards

Bodies responsible for evaluating trial risks and benefits for pregnant participants.; IRBs experienced in this population may advise on compensation.

Regulatory Context

Attributes

1
Compliance Date

November 20, 2024

Related CFR Sections (2)

Related Warning Letters (10)

  • In Vivo Bioavailability-Bioequivalence Studies – Clinical

    Maria A. Carballosa, M.D.

    2025-12-23
  • Unapproved New Drug/Unlicensed Biological Product/Biologics License Application (BLA)

    Celularity, Inc

    2025-12-09
  • Sponsor/Investigator

    Verdure Sciences, Inc.

    2025-11-18
  • Clinical Investigator (Sponsor)

    Pamela K. Den Besten, DDS, MS

    2025-09-30
  • Clinical Investigator/Sponsor

    Ralph A. DeFronzo, M.D.

    2025-09-23
  • Clinical Investigator

    Shirish M. Gadgeel, M.D.

    2025-09-09
  • Clinical Investigator

    Mark J. Savant, M.D

    2025-07-15
  • Clinical Investigator

    Peter Michael, M.D.

    2025-07-01
  • Clinical Investigator (Sponsor)

    American Behavioral Research Institute, LLC

    2025-06-10
  • Bioresearch Monitoring Program

    Amy Lightner, MD

    2025-06-03

See Also (8)

Frequently Asked Questions - IRB Registration: Guidance for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) | Guideline Explorer | BioRegHub