Updated Drug and Device Guidance and Worksheets

Who should read this message?

This is message is for anyone conducting human participant research involving drugs or devices.

What is happening?

The IRB has updated the following materials regarding the use of drugs and devices in research:

StatusPage / ResourceWhat it Covers
*New*Worksheet: FDA IND Exemption WorksheetFDA requirements for drugs and IND submissions
UpdatedWorksheet: DevicesUpdated worksheet and guidance on research involving devices
UpdatedWebsite Guidance: Investigational New Drugs and BiologicsUpdated research guidance for INDs and biologics
UpdatedWebsite Guidance: Investigational DevicesUpdated research guidance for medical devices

Summary of Changes

Please note: The FDA has not changed its guidance on drugs and devices. The following IRB updates simply provide more detailed information about existing regulations. 

SectionResourceChange Summary
WorksheetsInvestigational Drug & Investigational Device Worksheets (IND/IDE determination tools)

These worksheets are designed to help researchers determine if:

  • A study drug qualifies for an Investigational New Drug (IND) exemption
  • A study device qualifies for an Investigational New Device (IDE) exemption

The worksheets have been updated to:

  • Ask additional questions to better help study teams make and document their IND/IDE determination, and
  • Provide more resources and guidance about how to correctly fill out the worksheet.
Website Guidance – DrugsInvestigational New Drug and Biologics GuidanceAdded guidance on when an IND is required or not required, OTC monographs, active ingredient assessment, differences between legally marketed and commercially available drugs, responsibility for IND determinations, and FDA contact information.
Website Guidance – DevicesInvestigational Device GuidanceAdded guidance on indirect safety/effectiveness evaluations, general wellness devices, differences between legally marketed and commercially available devices, responsibility for IDE determinations, and FDA contact information.

Action Items for Researchers Conducting Studies with Drugs and Devices

✅ Do:

  • Familiarize yourself with the updated webpages on drugs and devices.
  • Moving forward, use the new IND and IDE worksheets when submitting new studies to the IRB. 

🚫 Dont:

  • Modify your approved studies to use the new worksheets. 

  • Change your already-submitted new studies to use the new worksheets.