Time to Review ICH GCP Guidelines, Say ICR Members

According to a recent Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) poll, more than 80% of its members would like the ICH GCP guidelines to be revised. Unlike other guidelines, such as the Declaration of Helsinki, ICH GCP, which describes the responsibilities and expectations of all participants in clinical trials, has not been updated since its implementation in 1996.

“The opinion expressed by our members was that some areas of ICH GCP should remain unchanged as they are still very relevant to clinical research today," said Sue Fitzpatrick, CSci, ICR's education manager, "however, certain amendments would be welcomed and would ensure the guidelines are still meeting the needs of the industry.”

Areas suggested for review by ICR members included: harmonization and globalization; clarifications and interpretation; scientific developments; and data protection.