12:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

Outsourcing in clinical development continues to grow and so do the challenges of ensuring quality outcomes. Managing a vendor vs. micro-managing a vendor will be discussed with some practices to improve the relationship. Recommendations for sponsor oversight practices are discussed with a review of helpful tools.

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern

Fueled by the encouragement from regulatory agencies in the U.S. and Europe, the art and science of pediatric drug development has evolved rapidly in pharmaceutical companies over the last few years. Due to recent governmental initiatives such as the Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) in the U.S. and Pediatric Investigation Plans (PIPs) in Europe, pharmaceutical companies have been given clear pathways and incentives to develop drug indications and products for this important group of patients. This web seminar will examine these regulatory initiatives and discuss practical and effective development approaches and study designs.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

The phrase “garbage in, garbage out” can be applied to the data collection efforts in clinical trials. To avoid this pitfall, it’s important to be thorough in the evaluation of the data collection items that will validate the protocol hypothesis endpoints and statistical analysis. It’s also important to consider the future compilation of data from multiple clinical trials for agency submission and the assurance that the data are in compatible format. With this goal in mind, it’s essential for data collection to be consistent, concise and compatible – hence the need for standards. CDISC and CDASH are instrumental in the establishment of these standards. This web seminar will discuss the timing of Case Report Form (CRF) design in relation to clinical trial startup and the team that will contribute to the data collection recommendations. We will review the resources utilized in determining what data collection is required and the current standards – CDISC and CDASH – for CRF data content. Best practices for CRF design as documented by the Society for Clinical Data Management Good Clinical Data Management Practices (SCDM GCDMP) will also be presented.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern

Investigator Initiated Trials (IITs), also referred to as Sponsor-Investigator (SI) Trials are increasing in popularity. A Sponsor-Investigator is anyone who functions as the Clinical Investigator (CI) of a given study and who also holds the investigational marketing application, i.e., the IND or IDE. How does the CI ensure compliance to both the investigator and sponsor responsibilities? This web seminar will present the responsibilities, discuss risk, and provide suggestions for compliance.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern

The investigator Trial Master File (TMF) is a collection of the essential documents for an investigator to record how they have fulfilled their regulatory obligations for a clinical trial project. This web seminar reviews the investigator TMF required and additional content for a clinical trial. The activities of set-up, maintenance, and quality control and assurance will be discussed along with common deficiencies and challenges.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern

The Trial Master File (TMF) is a collection of the essential documents for a sponsor to record how they have fulfilled their obligations as sponsor for a clinical trial project. This web seminar reviews the sponsor TMF required and additional content for a clinical trial. The activities of set-up, maintenance, and quality control and assurance will be discussed along with common deficiencies and challenges.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

Fraudulent activities in clinical research undermine clinical research professionals’ ability to meet their obligations for ensuring credible data is obtained from protected participants. This web seminar provides an overview of fraud in clinical research and its potential impact on the industry and the public’s health.

12:30 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern

This course provides the background needed to become an integral part of the clinical research team (for drugs and devices) and explores the need to understand the rationale behind quality performance and team-playing. The roles and responsibilities of Clinical Administrative Support will be discussed in terms of obligations to the study team and the importance of compliance with Standard Operating Procedures and Standard Office Practices. Although the course is designed for administrative staff with less than one year experience, those with some experience may also find this course helpful in providing the rationale for doing tasks in a specific manner, refining their skills, and sharing their experiences and helpful techniques with their colleagues.

9:30 PM - 11:30 PM Eastern

Quality assurance is defined as a “systematic and independent examination of trial-related activities and documents” that allows an auditor to determine whether or not the clinical trial was conducted according to the regulations and guidance that govern clinical research. This course will provide an overview of auditing skills and techniques and a review of recent GCP audit findings from Clinical Investigators (Sites), Sponsors, and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

A Quality Systems approach to establishing and maintaining regulatory compliance allows sponsors to better leverage their resources and Clinical Investigators to meet their obligations for clinical research oversight. This web seminar will review the elements of a Quality System at the Clinical Investigator site and how it functions to proactively control site-level noncompliance.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Eastern

The FDA recently released its much-anticipated Compliance Program Guidance Manual (CPGM) on how FDA investigators are trained to conduct inspections of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). The completion of this CPGM finalizes the recent updates to the FDA’s approach for inspecting key entities involved in the conduct and/or support of clinical research. This web seminar will review the FDA’s current focus during inspections and the factors driving these changes.

12:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

Essential documentation serves to demonstrate the compliance of the investigator, sponsor and monitor, and IRB with the standards of GCP, best practice, and all applicable regulatory requirements. This course will discuss various types of essential documentation, subject specific and non-subject specific, for both drug and device trial research sites. The course will help define what should be maintained at a research site to promote adequate and accurate documentation of site, monitor, and IRB performance.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern

Human subject protection (HSP) regulations haven’t kept pace with the evolution of clinical research. As a result, the regulatory requirements are unclear, inconsistent, and outdated. In response, the DHHS, the United States’ agency that houses both OHRP and the FDA, recently released its announcement for proposed rule changes to the regulations that govern the conduct of human subject research in an effort to streamline, modernize, and increase their effectiveness. The FDA has also issued new regulations, guidance, and procedures to improve the conduct of clinical trials, assess the accuracy and reliability of clinical trial data, and secure the protection of human research participants. Recent guidance documents and legislation will be reviewed to highlight how the FDA’s response to the recommendations will impact the conduct of clinical trials.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Eastern

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are defined as detailed, written instructions that permit processes to be executed uniformly. In an effort to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines, many sponsors, CROs, and clinical research sites have developed and incorporated SOPs into their operations. Too often, however, these documents are not reviewed critically and with enough frequency to make certain the information they convey is accurate and acceptable. Although training of staff and assessment of comprehension and compliance are crucial to implementation, the content and structure of SOPs should be routinely audited to take full advantage of their purpose. In this web seminar, we will discuss approaches to evaluating SOPs to ensure they are current and compliant.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern

Proper completion of the Statement of Investigator has been greatly debated. Many stakeholders differ in opinions on what is accurate and adequate in completing this form. For example, who should be listed as subinvestigators, do we need to complete a 1572 for certain projects, and so forth. This web seminar will review the 2010 FDA information sheet and answer many of the questions about how to properly complete the form. The course will also discuss what is still not clear even after the guidance and how to get the answers.

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern

The Regulatory Affairs department must prepare documents that inform European Regulatory Agencies about the proposed development plan; submit a Clinical Trial Authorization (CTA) to initiate human clinical trials; answer questions about on-going investigations; and construct and submit any updates to the CTA in a concise and informative manner. Regulatory submissions are more than just writing – they encompass strategy, research, writing, organizing and leading a team, compiling, editing, publishing, and tracking of the information. When initiating a global clinical trial program, many moving parts need to be brought into harmony to ensure compliance and that timelines are met. Web seminar attendees will walk away with tools to help plan, write, and manage multiple CTAs with all their differing requirements.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

Relationships between sites and sponsors are often strained, and poor communication can interfere with having a productive study. Sites are contacted by multiple personnel during the study start-up process, and perhaps even during the study. By focusing on building relationships with the sites, the delays and errors in the startup and ongoing study process can be avoided. It is critical that the individuals working with the sites are in a position through training, knowledge, and support to positively reflect the sponsor and to ensure there is no gap in communication. This web seminar will focus on a variety of techniques for clinical study teams to use in building stronger relationships with the sites. Real-life scenarios and problem solving techniques will be discussed based on what can appear to be unreasonable monitor and sponsor requests to the site research staff.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

As the number of clinical research trials conducted outside of the United States increases, the FDA has come under new scrutiny for its ability to monitor and inspect foreign clinical trials. This course will examine the changing landscape of clinical research and how the FDA is adapting its processes to address these challenges. This course will also provide models for site selection, site oversight, and preparing foreign clinical research sites for regulatory inspections. Participants will gain a greater understanding of current FDA inspection trends of foreign clinical research sites.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern

RECIST stands for Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The National Cancer Institute is the best resource for information, and defines RECIST criteria as “a voluntary, international standard, and not an NCI standard. They are based on a simplification of former methods (WHO, ECOG) and based on measurable disease, i.e., the presence of at least one measurable lesion.” RECIST criteria provide a way to standardize measurement of solid tumors worldwide for any clinical trials that include this data to define study endpoints.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Eastern

The ICH Q9 Quality Risk Management (QRM) guideline has become an accepted standard, facilitating the development and implementation of a systematic risk-based approach to quality management of clinical trials and pharmacovigilance. Industry and regulatory bodies, including the EMA and FDA, have recognized the need and benefits of implementing a risk-based approach to quality management. This web seminar is designed to provide a strong conceptual foundation of the principles of quality risk management with a clear focus on the application of these principles. The course will address applying QRM to support decision-making throughout the clinical trial management and pharmacovigilance process, allocating limited resources effectively to areas of high risk, and preparing the participant to become an active contributor towards risk-based quality management at his/her organization.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Eastern

The constantly changing regulatory environment necessitates keeping abreast of current information from a variety of sources. Regulatory Intelligence (RI) is the act of gathering and analyzing regulatory information for impact or changes in laws, regulations, directives, guidance documents, etc. There is more to RI than keeping up with the latest regulations and guidelines. Regulatory precedence, industry practices, regulatory agency opinions, and competitor information are just a few of the valuable sources of information that can help regulatory affairs professionals to develop successful regulatory strategies.

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern

During the course of clinical research, the Investigator’s Brochure (IB) is the data repository for an investigational product; effectively this is the product’s “label” during the investigational stage. The IB is a dynamic document which changes as the information changes. It is critical in clinical research as physicians and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) refer to the IB on an ongoing basis to answer questions about Serious Adverse Events, Adverse Events, dosing, manufacturing, and clinical and nonclinical study results.

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM Eastern

The approach to monitoring plan development can vary from sponsor to sponsor. Come to this web seminar to learn how to set up a project monitoring plan that supports traditional and unique project needs, including regulatory expectations and valuable data regarding site and Clinical Research Associate (CRA) performance.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

In the current regulatory climate, sponsors should anticipate more FDA sponsor GCP inspections and information requests regarding monitoring practices. Many monitoring systems lack components that ensure proper management of the research site without relying on the “star performer.” Monitoring systems should include specific components to ensure control of investigational product, data integrity, oversight of vendors, as well as other areas. The components of a quality monitoring system will be presented so that participants can assess their current practices for identifying gaps and risks, particularly in relation to preparing for regulatory inspections of sponsor monitoring programs.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Eastern

This web seminar includes a detailed review of the FDA’s Compliance Program Guidance Manual (CPGM) on how agency investigators are trained to conduct inspections of sponsors, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and monitors involved in the conduct of clinical research. The course will look at the FDA’s current focus during inspections and the factors driving these changes. Assessment and discussion of the standard operating procedures that are expected for sponsors and CROs, including registration of trials and informed consent document issues, will be highlighted.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

As the use of electronic source documentation (eSource) increases in clinical research, so does the scrutiny for ensuring the integrity of the systems used to generate and retain electronic source data. In late 2010, a draft guidance was released regarding the use of electronic source documentation, providing direction to sponsors, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), data management centers, and Clinical Investigators on capturing, using, and archiving electronic data in FDA-regulated clinical investigations. The draft guidance focuses on the flow of data through those systems from input to analysis and “is intended to promote the capture of source data in electronic form.” This web seminar will review how the requirements for paper source documentation translate to the electronic source document as well as examine real-world examples of the FDA’s review of eSource.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

This web seminar provides an overview of the structural elements of Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Participants will learn practical application of GCP regulations and guidelines for critical components of the clinical research process. Specific attention will be given to how Quality Systems, or a lack thereof, impact overall data quality and regulatory risk. This web seminar is designed for professionals with at least two years of experience in the clinical research industry.

12:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

This web seminar presents the elements of the informed consent document and the components of the process. Industry specific scenarios are presented to reinforce important concepts, for example: Evaluating and documenting capacity to consent, voluntariness, when a HIPAA authorization is required, withdrawal of consent, and more. Discussions also include reported poor regulatory performance regarding informed consent, and successful solutions for practices that increase the protection of human subjects in clinical research.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern

The Clinical Research Associate (CRA) position is both demanding and extremely rewarding. This web seminar provides tips and strategies to help the new CRA navigate his/her early years in the profession. Topics ranging from the practical (packing and travel tips) to the philosophical (how to earn trust and credibility) are covered. Participants will also learn how to set the stage for success as a CRA from a veteran monitoring professional.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

Outsourcing to Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to complete studies has become a foundation for pharmaceutical and device companies. With the lengthy drug development and approval process, it is nearly impossible to have complete study teams kept as full-time employees as the workload continually ebbs and flows. One of the challenges of outsourcing is selecting the right partner and then maintaining a team atmosphere where everyone takes ownership of the study. Key considerations when collaborating successfully with a CRO are selecting the right partner by knowing what questions to ask; establishing a foundation for the partnership with clear expectations, goals, and communication; and maintaining a sense of ownership in the work that has been outsourced. This web seminar will address the key criteria in selecting a partner, as well as review the necessary processes to foster positive relationships and allow for high quality performance of the CRO.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Eastern

Principal Investigators (PIs) are required to provide adequate oversight of all clinical research activities at the site, whether the activity is conducted by the PI, by study team members, or by applicable third parties. Adequate oversight encompasses many activities and obligations, such as ensuring regulatory compliance, staff training, and subject medical care. In this web seminar, we will discuss the regulatory requirements and guidance regarding adequate investigator oversight and appropriate delegation of study tasks, review documentation requirements, and determine strategies for appropriate delegation of tasks.

8:30 AM - 11:30 AM Eastern

The online 10-Week Clinical Research Associate (CRA) “on-boarding” training course is appropriate for individuals who have less than two years experience as a Clinical Research Associate. The course provides practical, hands-on training as it relates to the CRA job function, and covers core sponsor and research site activities that promote the successful monitoring of studies for both drug/biologic and device trials. The course follows an ICH/ISO global GCP framework, and covers how to identify specific country requirements, making it appropriate for both US and global audiences. Core Good Clinical Practice (GCP) skills are reinforced through a combination of activities, including lecture, case studies, and scenario review, as well as application-based homework assignments.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Eastern

The FDA’s Guideline for the Monitoring of Clinical Investigations (1988-2010) has been removed from the FDA list of guidance documents. Instead, the FDA has released an updated version of the Bioresearch Monitoring (BIMO) Compliance Program Guidance Manual for Sponsor/CRO and Monitoring, and most recently the agency released a draft guidance to reflect their expectations and recommendations related to monitoring investigation sites, monitoring systems, and investigative site oversight. In this web seminar, the content and the implications to sponsor monitoring and clinical investigation sites will be discussed.

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern

This web seminar provides a review of FDA requirements for approval of a Biosimilar product. The Biosimilar product approval pathway and the underlying Scientific/Quality/Regulatory principles involved are covered, along with guidelines for each aspect of biosimilar research. Additionally, the FDA Stepwise Approach to demonstrating Biosimilarity will be discussed, as well as general considerations on animal/clinical/in vitro studies. Finally, FDA’s Totality-of-the-Evidence approach will also be covered.

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM Eastern

The approach to monitoring plan development can vary from sponsor to sponsor. Come to this web seminar to learn how to set up a project monitoring plan that supports traditional and unique project needs, including regulatory expectations and valuable data regarding site and Clinical Research Associate (CRA) performance.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

Strategies for saving time and money, without compromising oversight and quality, are an ongoing challenge within the industry. In an age where technology is ever present from ordering medications online, consulting with a physician, and having “live” conversations in chat rooms about medical issues, the clinical research industry has been slow to maximize the use of technology. Time on site is being reduced to one day visits and/or on-site visits are scheduled few and far between per monitoring plans. Better utilization of remote monitoring is critical to ensure sites are compliant and the data is accurate and consistent. During this web seminar, strategies for remote monitoring will be discussed, including the review of data for trends, how to make the most of writing queries, and what “red flags” to look for that may indicate issues on site.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

Understanding the big picture of how essential study documents impact the approval and ethics of a clinical research trial often gets overlooked in the rush of document collection and requests. The foundation of this web seminar is the site study file, what the documents are, and why they are important as related to ICH GCP E6 Essential Documents and 21 CFR 50, 54, 56 and 312. This web seminar will also provide a reference point for why the paperwork is so critical within the process of a study.

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern

This web seminar provides an overview of the drug development process. Included are the Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations and how they interact in the drug development process.

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern

This web seminar provides a brief review of new drug development and the clinical trial process as it affects the investigator, and explains where Good Clinical Practice (GCP) fits in. Relevant sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), and Form FDA 1572 are discussed in-depth and in relationship to the investigator’s responsibilities for proper conduct of clinical trials. This course will highlight the 13 principles of ICH GCP as the foundation for all clinical studies, and demonstrate to the investigator the rationale for sponsor requirements throughout clinical development of an investigational drug.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Eastern

As adult learners, clinical research professionals are motivated by an understanding of how training interactions directly impact their work lives. The use of job aids and checklists can serve to satisfy this need by providing a resource to someone performing a task exactly when and where they need it. These tools can also serve to reinforce the training as participants return to the workplace, resulting in a greater likelihood that the organization’s performance goals will be met. In some cases, a job aid alone can replace unnecessary training expenses.