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NIS Considerations - Brazil An overview of the considerations when conducting Non-interventional Studies in Brazil Stuart McCully • Compliance Healthcheck Consulting UK Ltd • NIS-C-BR-2012 © Dr Stuart McCully 2012 NIS3C3BR32012 1

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  • NIS Considerations - BrazilAn overview of the considerations when conducting Non-interventional Studies in Brazil

    Stuart McCully • Compliance Healthcheck Consulting UK Ltd • NIS-C-BR-2012

    ©"Dr"Stuart"McCully"2012NIS3C3BR32012

    1

  • Table of Contents

    Disclaimer! 6

    Regulatory Requirements ! 7

    COUNTRY-SPECIFIC REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS 7

    REGULATORY BODIES 7

    DEFINITION 8

    Non-interventional Studies 8

    Phase IV Research 8

    REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 10

    Applicable Legislation & Guidance 10

    SUMMARY OF THE NIS REQUIREMENTS IN BRAZIL 12

    APPROVAL & NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 13

    WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT? 14

    THE CEP/CONEP SYSTEM 15

    CEP/CONEP System Roles and Responsibilities 15

    REGULATORY SUBMISSIONS ROADMAP 18

    Approval of Research Projects in CONEP 19

    REGULATORY SUBMISSIONS DOCUMENTS 22

    Platform Brazil 22

    REGULATORY SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 25

    Cover Sheet for Research Involving Humans 25

    SUBJECT OF RESEARCH 25

    RESPONSIBLE RESEARCHER 26

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  • APPLICANT INSTITUTION 26

    SPONSOR NA () 27

    RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE - CEP 27

    NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR RESEARCH ETHICS - CONEP 28

    Instructions for Filling Out the CONEP Cover Sheet for Research Involving Humans

    28

    Flowchart for Research Involving Humans 32

    REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS - USEFUL LINKS 34

    Study Conduct Considerations! 36

    DEFINITIONS 36

    Freely Given and Informed Consent 36

    Non-interventional Studies 36

    Phase IV Research 36

    RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS 37

    Ethical Aspects of Research Involving Human Subjects 37

    RESEARCH INVOLVING INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES 41

    Research Involving Indigenous Communities and Individuals 41

    Ethical Aspects of Research Involving Indigenous Peoples 41

    The Research Protocol (Research with Indigenous Communities) 42

    Protection of Research Subjects (Research with Indigenous Communities) 43

    INFORMED CONSENT 43

    Documentary Requirements 43

    Freely Given and Informed Consent 43

    NON-INTERVENTIONAL STUDIES 46

    Considerations for Conducting Non-Interventional Studies 46

    Purpose 46

    Responsibilities of the Researcher 46

    Intellectual Property, Technology, Data and Biological Material Transfer 47

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  • Competent Authority Approval 48

    Favourable Ethics Opinion 48

    Platform Brazil 49

    Research Coordinated from Abroad and/or Involving Human Genetics 49

    Reporting and Notifications to the Ethics Committee(s) 50

    Contract 50

    Protocol 52

    Financial Compensation/ Remuneration 55

    Adverse Event Reporting 56

    Notification of SAEs to ANVISA 56

    Notification of SAEs to CONEP 58

    Study Registration 60

    STUDY CONDUCT CONSIDERATIONS - USEFUL LINKS 61

    Human Tissue Research! 63

    DEFINITIONS 63

    Biobank 63

    Biorepository 63

    THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 63

    Registration of Biobanks 64

    INFORMED CONSENT 64

    OPERATIONAL ISSUES 66

    Main Ethical and Operational Differences between Biobanks and Biorepositories66

    Collection Strategies 66

    Custodianship 67

    Access to Samples 68

    Research Results 68

    Disposal of Samples 69

    HUMAN GENETIC RESEARCH 70

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  • General Principles 70

    Ethical Aspects 71

    Research Protocol 73

    Informed Consent 74

    Operational Aspects 75

    HUMAN TISSUE RESEARCH CONSIDERATIONS - USEFUL LINKS 77

    Best Practice Considerations! 79

    DEFINITIONS 79

    Freely Given and Informed Consent 79

    NON-INTERVENTIONAL STUDIES 79

    Phase IV Research 79

    CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONDUCTING NON-INTERVENTIONAL STUDIES 80

    Purpose 80

    Responsibilities of the Researcher 80

    Prohibition of Promotion 81

    Transparency in Professional Relationships 82

    Limited Involvement of Medical Reps 82

    Contract 82

    Giveaways and Gifts 84

    Gifts 84

    Prohibited Items 84

    Donations and Contributions 85

    Attendance at Scientific Events, Hospitality and Travel 86

    Company-Sponsored Events 86

    Company’s Own Events 86

    Venue 86

    Reimbursement of Costs 86

    Lunches and Snacks 87

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  • Entertainment 87

    Prohibition of Promotion 88

    Prohibited to Offer First Class Tickets 88

    Hospitality and Related Payments - Further Considerations 88

    Is it possible to pay for a doctor in connection with attending a scientific meeting? If so, what may be paid for? Is it possible to pay for his expenses (travel, accommodation, enrolment fees)? Is it possible to pay him for his time? 88

    To what extent will a pharmaceutical company be held responsible by the regulatory authorities for the contents of and the hospitality arrangements for scientific meetings, either meetings directly sponsored or organised by the company or independent meetings in respect of which a pharmaceutical company may provide sponsorship to individual doctors to attend? 89

    Is it possible to pay doctors to provide expert services (e.g. participating in focus groups)? If so, what restrictions apply? 89

    Is it possible to pay doctors to take part in post marketing surveillance studies? What rules govern such studies? 89

    Is it possible to pay doctors to take part in market research involving promotional materials? 90

    BEST PRACTICE CONSIDERATIONS - USEFUL LINKS 91

    NIS Definitions! 92

    EUROPEAN NIS DEFINITIONS 92

    NIS DEFINITIONS 92

    Non-interventional Study (NIS) 92

    Post-authorisation Safety Study (PASS) 93

    Post-authorisation Efficacy Studies (PAES) 93

    Common NIS Terminology! 94

    COMMONLY USED NIS TERMS 94

    COMMON NIS TERMINOLOGY 94

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  • DisclaimerAlthough this Compilation contains information of a legal nature, it has been developed for

    informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinions as to the current

    operative laws, regulations, or guidelines of any jurisdiction. In addition, because new

    standards are issued on a continuing basis, this Compilation is not an exhaustive source of all

    current applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines relating to non-interventional studies.

    While reasonable efforts have been made to assure the accuracy and completeness of the

    information provided, researchers and other individuals should check with local authorities

    and/or research ethics committees before starting research activities.

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  • Regulatory Requirements COUNTRY-SPECIFIC REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

    REGULATORY BODIES

    Competent Authority

    Research Ethics Committees

    Data Protection Agency

    Pharmaceutical Self-Regulation Body

    Pharmaceutical Code of Practice

    The National Health Surveillance Agency

    (ANVISA)

    National Research Ethics Commission

    (CONEP)

    (Coordination and accreditation centre for the

    institutional/ regional ethics committees)

    Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CEP)

    (Regional/ institutional ethics committees, of which

    there are approximately 600 through Brazil to which

    most research protocols will be sent for review. Special

    projects are reviewed by CONEP)

    There is no national regulatory authority in

    Brazil*

    Brazilian Research-based Pharmaceutical

    Manufacturers Association (Interfarma)

    Interfarma Code of Conduct - 2012 Revision

    * refer to ‘Linklaters - Brazil’ for a summary of the data protection considerations

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    http://www.anvisa.gov.br/eng/index.htmhttp://www.anvisa.gov.br/eng/index.htmhttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/Web_comissoes/conep/index.htmlhttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/Web_comissoes/conep/index.htmlhttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/Web_comissoes/conep/aquivos/cep/documentos/CEPs_credenciados_novembro_2010.pdfhttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/Web_comissoes/conep/aquivos/cep/documentos/CEPs_credenciados_novembro_2010.pdfhttp://www.interfarma.org.br/site2/index.phphttp://www.interfarma.org.br/site2/index.phphttp://livepage.apple.com/http://livepage.apple.com/https://clientsites.linklaters.com/Clients/dataprotected/Pages/Brazil.aspxhttps://clientsites.linklaters.com/Clients/dataprotected/Pages/Brazil.aspx

  • DEFINITION

    Non-interventional Studies

    There is no specific mention of “non-interventional studies” in the legislation or guidelines.

    However, these types of study are captured under the scope of “Phase IV Research” which is

    defined on the ANVISA Website and in Resolution 251/97.

    Phase IV Research

    This is research performed when the product and/or therapeutic specialty is commercially

    available (as per Section II.2.d of Resolution 251/97).

    This research is based on the characteristics under which the medicine and/or therapeutic

    specialty was authorized. These are usually post-commercialization surveillance studies that

    aim at establishing the therapeutic value, [verifying] the emergence of new adverse reactions

    and/or confirming the frequency of known adverse reactions, as well as the treatment

    strategies (as per Section II.2.d of Resolution 251/97).

    The same ethical and scientific norms applied in the research in the previous phases should be

    used in Phase IV research (as per Section II.2.d of Resolution 251/97).

    Once a medicine and/or therapeutic specialty is already commercially available, the clinical

    research performed to explore new indications, new methods of administration, or new

    combinations (associations), etc. shall be considered research of a new medicine and/or

    therapeutic specialty (as per Section II.2.d of Resolution 251/97).

    The post-marketing studies (Phase IV) are not primary object of this rule and are subject to

    the "Notification on clinical research – Class 1". It is established that the initiation of these

    studies should occur only after obtaining approval from the ethics in accordance with the law

    (as per Article 5 of Resolution 39/08).

    Except from the above provisions, the search for phase IV involving vaccines and research that

    aimed to evaluate effectiveness and safety for drugs which have authorization for marketing or

    revalidation of it, being regarded as the phase III (as per Article 5 of Resolution 39/08).

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    http://portal.anvisa.gov.br/wps/content/Anvisa+Portal/Anvisa/Inicio/Medicamentos/Assunto+de+Interesse/Pesquisa+clinica/Consideracoes+e+definicoes+para+Pesquisa+Clinicahttp://portal.anvisa.gov.br/wps/content/Anvisa+Portal/Anvisa/Inicio/Medicamentos/Assunto+de+Interesse/Pesquisa+clinica/Consideracoes+e+definicoes+para+Pesquisa+Clinicahttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/resolucoes/1997/Reso251.dochttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/resolucoes/1997/Reso251.dochttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/resolucoes/1997/Reso251.dochttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/resolucoes/1997/Reso251.dochttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/resolucoes/1997/Reso251.dochttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/resolucoes/1997/Reso251.dochttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/resolucoes/1997/Reso251.dochttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/resolucoes/1997/Reso251.dochttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/resolucoes/1997/Reso251.dochttp://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/resolucoes/1997/Reso251.dochttp://www.anvisa.gov.br/medicamentos/pesquisa/legis/rdc39_08.pdfhttp://www.anvisa.gov.br/medicamentos/pesquisa/legis/rdc39_08.pdfhttp://www.anvisa.gov.br/medicamentos/pesquisa/legis/rdc39_08.pdfhttp://www.anvisa.gov.br/medicamentos/pesquisa/legis/rdc39_08.pdf

  • ANVISA approval (in the form of a “Comunicado Especial”) is not required for non-

    interventional studies:

    Epidemiological studies, observational studies, in which there is no intervention at the

    moment do not need the special bulletin issued by ANVISA (as per the ANVISA

    Guidance).

    If a drug and / or medical specialty has been sold, but need to demonstrate their safety

    and effectiveness, or explore new indications, new methods of administration or new

    combinations (associations), etc.; these trials must be controlled phase III studies (as

    per the ANVISA Guidance).

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    http://portal.anvisa.gov.br/wps/content/Anvisa+Portal/Anvisa/Inicio/Medicamentos/Assunto+de+Interesse/Pesquisa+clinica/Consideracoes+e+definicoes+para+Pesquisa+Clinicahttp://portal.anvisa.gov.br/wps/content/Anvisa+Portal/Anvisa/Inicio/Medicamentos/Assunto+de+Interesse/Pesquisa+clinica/Consideracoes+e+definicoes+para+Pesquisa+Clinicahttp://portal.anvisa.gov.br/wps/content/Anvisa+Portal/Anvisa/Inicio/Medicamentos/Assunto+de+Interesse/Pesquisa+clinica/Consideracoes+e+definicoes+para+Pesquisa+Clinicahttp://portal.anvisa.gov.br/wps/content/Anvisa+Portal/Anvisa/Inicio/Medicamentos/Assunto+de+Interesse/Pesquisa+clinica/Consideracoes+e+definicoes+para+Pesquisa+Clinicahttp://portal.anvisa.gov.br/wps/content/Anvisa+Portal/Anvisa/Inicio/Medicamentos/Assunto+de+Interesse/Pesquisa+clinica/Consideracoes+e+definicoes+para+Pesquisa+Clinicahttp://portal.anvisa.gov.br/wps/content/Anvisa+Portal/Anvisa/Inicio/Medicamentos/Assunto+de+Interesse/Pesquisa+clinica/Consideracoes+e+definicoes+para+Pesquisa+Clinica

  • THE CEP/CONEP SYSTEM

    In order to guarantee the respect to the ethical aspects related to research in human beings,

    the Brazilian National Health Council created in 1996 the CEP/CONEP System. The CEP/

    CONEP System represents the organized form of social control over the practices of science.

    This System is responsible for the review and monitoring of the ethical aspects of scientific

    research involving human beings throughout the national territory, keeping the databases

    updated (Lopes, 2011).

    CEP/CONEP System Roles and Responsibilities

    The CEP/CONEP System ensures and safeguards the integrity of rights and freedom of the

    volunteers participating in research, protecting them from potential abuse. On the other

    hand, it assures society that the research is being ethically developed, i.e. that the interests

    and the welfare of the human being prevail over the interests of researchers, society and

    science. The economic and social conditions shown before make vulnerable part of our

    population, limiting its autonomy. For this reason special attention is given to the recruitment

    of human beings as subjects of research (Lopes, 2011).

    It is also responsible for informing and advising the Ministry of Health, the Health National

    Council and other instances of the Unified Health System, as well as the government and

    society, on ethical issues regarding research with human beings (Lopes, 2011).

    The System is formed by The National Commission for Ethics in Research (CONEP) directly

    linked to the National Health Council. The Ministry of Health is responsible for the

    functioning of the Commission and its Executive Secretariat; and The Committees for Ethics

    in Research (CEPs) directly linked to the scientific research institutions. The scientific

    research institutions are responsible for the functioning of the Committees and its Executive

    Secretariat. Members of the CEP/CONEP System have complete independence to make

    autonomous decisions in the exercise of their functions, keeping the confidentiality of all

    information received (Lopes, 2011).

    CEP is an independent and interdisciplinary committee, formed by members of both sexes,

    with advisory, deliberative and educational character, designed to protect the interests of

    research subjects in their integrity and dignity and to contribute to the development of

    research within ethical standards. Institutions that conduct research involving human beings

    may have one or more CEPs, as needed. CEPs maintain regular communication with CONEP.

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    http://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdf

  • Their quarterly reports include the analyzed protocols, completed or in process (Lopes,

    2011).

    CONEP is an independent and interdisciplinary commission of the National Health Council,

    formed by 30 members and 5 substitutes of both sexes, with consultative, deliberative,

    legislative and educational duties. Each CEP indicates 2 candidates for the Health National

    Council which is responsible to elect the members of CONEP for a 4 years term, with a

    renewal of 1⁄2 of them every 2 years (Lopes, 2011).

    CONEP coordinates the action of 598 CEPs established throughout the country. Over 9,000

    members meet regularly in order to analyze and review the research protocols on human

    beings submitted by scientists from different areas of knowledge. During the last 3 years, over

    30,000 protocols were analyzed by the CEP/CONEP System (Lopes, 2011).

    The CEP/CONEP System aims to:

    Provide transparency in the scientific research process to bring under social control

    potential conflicts of interests while preserving the confidentiality necessary to ensure

    the intellectual property of researchers.

    Potentiate and broaden the autonomy of subjects of research, strengthening the

    participation of representatives and users of SUS (Public Health System) in the

    Committees for Ethics in Research.

    Establish the importance of the process for obtaining free and informed consent,

    checking all aspects of the vulnerability conditions (physical, psychological and socio-

    economical).

    Ensure that the language used in the free and informed consent is clear and simple in

    order to guarantee an easy understanding of all risks and benefits involved in the

    experimental protocol.

    Ensurethatancillarymedicaltreatmentisprovidedduringtheclinicaltrial.

    Ensure that proper treatment and compensation are provided for subjects of research

    injured during trials.

    Ensure access to medicines in test, after the completion of the clinical study,

    independently of the registration or commercialization of the drug in Brazil.

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    http://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/activities/brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdf

  • In accordance with Brazilian regulations, the use of placebo control is ethically

    acceptable when there is no effective treatment and its use will not cause any harm to

    the participant.

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  • REGULATORY SUBMISSIONS DOCUMENTS

    Note - Submission made through ‘Platform Brazil’

    Platform Brazil

    In order to further the social control on the ethics in research and give public transparency to

    the research conducted in human beings, recently d the “Plataforma

    Brasil” (www.saude.gov.br/plataformabrasil) was launched as an on line Brazilian data base

    designed to facilitate the management of all the Research Protocols involving human subjects

    analyzed by the CEP/CONEP System. This Platform allows following up scientific protocols

    from the submission to the CEP/CONEP System up to its final approval and execution,

    including the monitoring of its development via partial and final reports (Lopes, 2011).

    The system provides transparency of the ethical analysis by offering access of public data of all

    approved research protocols and of the operational flux of the analyses. This methodology

    significantly reduces the time spent in the ethical analysis (Lopes, 2011).

    Documents* Comments

    Cover sheet for research involving humans

    • All fields must be filled.

    • Watch for date fields and signatures, which must be properly identified (full name and title, preferably by stamp), compatible with protocol information.

    • The title should be in Portuguese and identical to that presented in the research project. (Res. CNS 196/96 VI.1 and Operational Manual for CEP, 9.1)

    ©"Dr"Stuart"McCully"2012NIS3C3BR32012

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  • REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS - USEFUL LINKS

    Useful Links Accessed From

    CONEP Circular No. 039/2011 - Use of

    Data from Medical Records for the

    Purposes of Research

    http://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/

    Web_comissoes/conep/carta_circular/

    Uso_de_dados_de_prontuarios_para_fins

    _de_Pesquisa.pdf

    CONEP Standard Operating Procedures -

    NP 002/007 - Approval of Research

    Projects in CONEP

    http://www.conselho.saude.gov.br/

    Web_comissoes/conep/aquivos/

    documentos/normaseprocedimento.doc

    Constitution of Brazil http://www.v-brazil.com/government/

    laws/titleII.html

    Lopes - 2011: Aníbal Gil Lopes. Brazilian

    R&D status and Brazilian System for ethical

    analysis of scientific protocols involving

    human subjects. 2011

    http://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-

    group-ethics/docs/activities/

    brazil_anibal_gil_lopes.pdf

    Ministry of Health Ordinance No. 2201 -

    National Guidelines for Biorepositories and

    Biobanks (Ordinance No. 2201, dated 14

    September 2011)

    http://www.poderesaude.com.br/portal/

    images/stories/1_-_Publicao_-_SIM_-

    _15.09.2011.pdf

    Ministry of Health Resolution No. 39/08 -

    on the Rules for the Conduct of Clinical

    Research Among Other Provisions

    http://www.anvisa.gov.br/medicamentos/

    pesquisa/legis/rdc39_08.pdf

    Platform Brazil http://aplicacao.saude.gov.br/

    plataformabrasil/login.jsf

    Resolution CNS No. 196/96 -Approves the

    guidelines and rules for research involving

    humans

    http://conselho.saude.gov.br/resolucoes/

    1996/Reso196.doc

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  • Study Conduct ConsiderationsCONSIDERATIONS WHEN CONDUCTING NIS IN BRAZIL

    DEFINITIONS

    Freely Given and Informed Consent

    Freely given and informed consent: agreement of the research subject and/or his/her legal

    guardian, without flaws (simulation, fraud, or error), dependency, subordination, or

    intimidation, after a complete and detailed explanation about the nature of the research, its

    objectives, methods, foreseen benefits, potential risks, and discomfort that such research may

    cause, set forth in a term of consent, authorizing the subject's voluntary participation in the

    research (as per Section II.11 of Resolution 196/96).

    Non-interventional Studies

    There is no specific mention of “non-interventional studies” is the legislation or guidelines.

    However, these types of study are captured under the scope of “Phase IV Research” which is

    defined on the ANVISA Website and in Resolution 251/97.

    Phase IV Research

    This is research performed when the product and/or therapeutic specialty is commercially

    available (as per Section II.2.d of Resolution 251/97).

    This research is based on the characteristics under which the medicine and/or therapeutic

    specialty was authorized. These are usually post-commercialization surveillance studies that

    aim at establishing the therapeutic value, [verifying] the emergence of new adverse reactions

    and/or confirming the frequency of known adverse reactions, as well as the treatment

    strategies (as per Section II.2.d of Resolution 251/97).

    ©"Dr"Stuart"McCully"2012NIS3C3BR32012

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  • The same ethical and scientific norms applied in the research in the previous phases should be

    used in Phase IV research (as per Section II.2.d of Resolution 251/97).

    Once a medicine and/or therapeutic specialty is already commercially available, the clinical

    research performed to explore new indications, new methods of administration, or new

    combinations (associations), etc. shall be considered research of a new medicine and/or

    therapeutic specialty (as per Section II.2.d of Resolution 251/97).

    The post-marketing studies (Phase IV) are not primary object of this rule and are subject to

    the "Notification on clinical research – Class 1". It is established that the initiation of these

    studies should occur only after obtaining approval from the ethics in accordance with the law

    (as per Article 5 of Resolution 39/08).

    Except from the above provisions, the search for phase IV involving vaccines and research that

    aimed to evaluate effectiveness and safety for drugs which have authorization for marketing or

    revalidation of it, being regarded as the phase III (as per Article 5 of Resolution 39/08).

    RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS

    Ethical Aspects of Research Involving Human Subjects

    All research involving human subjects must meet the fundamental scientific and ethical

    requirements set down in Resolution 196/96. This Resolution is based on the main

    international documents that gave rise to declarations and guidelines on research involving

    human subjects which includes the International Guidelines for Ethical Review of

    Epidemiological Studies (CIOMS, 1991).

    Ethics in research signifies:

    freely given and informed consent of target-individuals and the protection of vulnerable

    groups and the legally disabled (autonomy). To that end, research involving human

    subjects must always preserve their dignity, respect their autonomy and defend them in

    their vulnerability;

    weighing risks and benefits, both actual and potential, individual and collective

    (beneficence), making a commitment to maximize benefits and minimize distress and

    risks;

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  • Human Tissue ResearchCONSIDERATIONS WHEN CONDUCTING STUDIES WITH HUMAN SAMPLES AND

    DATA IN BRAZIL

    DEFINITIONS

    Biobank

    “biobank” refers to an institutional facility dedicated to the systematic collection of human

    biological material to support multiple, future studies (as per Article 1 of Resolution CNS

    441/11).

    Biorepository

    “biorepository” refers to a collection of samples amassed by researchers executing a single,

    specific research project (as per Article 1 of Resolution CNS 441/11).

    THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

    In 2005, the National Health Council (CNS) of Brazil approved a resolution to regulate the

    use of human biological materials in research projects (Resolution CNS 347/05). Prior to this

    enactment, collection of human biospecimens for research purposes had been governed only

    by certain chapters of prior resolutions (Marodin et al., 2012).

    In addition to providing ethical oversight, Resolution CNS 347/05 consolidated some issues

    and addressed others that had been raised by prior resolutions; still, it had limitations. Then,

    in 2011, the Ministry of Health published the National Guidelines for Biorepositories and

    Biobanks (Ordinance No. 2201, dated 14 September 2011) and the CNS also approved

    Resolution CNS 441/11, an amendment to Resolution CNS 347/05 (Marodin et al., 2012).

    Brazil now has two mutually supporting documents on biobanking activities related to human

    health research. Resolution CNS 441/11 sets the guidelines for ethical analysis of research

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  • projects involving human samples or utilization of samples stored by prior studies. The

    Ministry of Health Ordinance No. 2201 establishes a regulatory framework for biobanks and

    biorepositories (Marodin et al., 2012).

    Donors providing samples for biobanks now have the option of providing a general consent,

    in lieu of consent for each new research project. Also, donors can indicate whether or not they

    wish to be re-contacted should any relevant personal health information be derived from use

    of their biological samples. This approach moves beyond the previous restriction requiring

    donor consent for each new project, but still respects the individual’s rights and preferences

    (Marodin et al., 2012).

    On the other hand, some aspects of the new legislation still need improvement (for example,

    the issues surrounding the return of research results and the distinction between relevant

    results and incidental findings). As acknowledged by other countries and international

    guidelines, these regulations may need to be adapted to meet future scientific advances and

    changing public perception; however, they reflect the current stage of biobanking activity in

    Brazil (Marodin et al., 2012).

    Registration of Biobanks

    Article 3 of Resolution CNS 441/11 requires all research biobanks to be approved by, and

    registered with CONEP.

    Re-registration/re-approval is required every 5 years (as per Article 11 of Resolution CNS

    441/11).

    INFORMED CONSENT

    In Brazil, patient consent is required prior to collection and storage of human samples for

    research . Although Resolution 347/05 mandated that consent forms include the possibility

    of specimens being used for future research, it also required that the donor’s re-consent be

    obtained. For biorepositories, this approach was, and still is, feasible; however for biobanks,

    which aim to collect samples for future analysis, it became clear that this approach was

    inefficient. Therefore, a general consent permitting future use was needed. Such a form, apart

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  • Best Practice ConsiderationsBEST PRACTICE CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CONDUCTING NIS IN BRAZIL

    DEFINITIONS

    Freely Given and Informed Consent

    Freely given and informed consent: agreement of the research subject and/or his/her legal

    guardian, without flaws (simulation, fraud, or error), dependency, subordination, or

    intimidation, after a complete and detailed explanation about the nature of the research, its

    objectives, methods, foreseen benefits, potential risks, and discomfort that such research may

    cause, set forth in a term of consent, authorizing the subject's voluntary participation in the

    research (as per Section II.11 of Resolution 196/96).

    NON-INTERVENTIONAL STUDIES

    There is no specific mention of “non-interventional studies” in the legislation or guidelines.

    However, these types of study are captured under the scope of “Phase IV Research” which is

    defined on the ANVISA Website and in Resolution 251/97.

    Phase IV Research

    This is research performed when the product and/or therapeutic specialty is commercially

    available (as per Section II.2.d of Resolution 251/97).

    This research is based on the characteristics under which the medicine and/or therapeutic

    specialty was authorized. These are usually post-commercialization surveillance studies that

    aim at establishing the therapeutic value, [verifying] the emergence of new adverse reactions

    and/or confirming the frequency of known adverse reactions, as well as the treatment

    strategies (as per Section II.2.d of Resolution 251/97).

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  • The same ethical and scientific norms applied in the research in the previous phases should be

    used in Phase IV research (as per Section II.2.d of Resolution 251/97).

    Once a medicine and/or therapeutic specialty is already commercially available, the clinical

    research performed to explore new indications, new methods of administration, or new

    combinations (associations), etc. shall be considered research of a new medicine and/or

    therapeutic specialty (as per Section II.2.d of Resolution 251/97).

    The post-marketing studies (Phase IV) are not primary object of this rule and are subject to

    the "Notification on clinical research – Class 1". It is established that the initiation of these

    studies should occur only after obtaining approval from the ethics in accordance with the law

    (as per Article 5 of Resolution 39/08).

    Except from the above provisions, the search for phase IV involving vaccines and research that

    aimed to evaluate effectiveness and safety for drugs which have authorization for marketing or

    revalidation of it, being regarded as the phase III (as per Article 5 of Resolution 39/08).

    CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONDUCTING NON-INTERVENTIONAL STUDIES

    Purpose

    Research involving human subjects, regardless of the field of knowledge, must be in

    accordance with the scientific principles that justify it and the concrete possibility of

    answering uncertainties (as per Section III.3.a of Resolution 196/96).

    Responsibilities of the Researcher

    Each and every research project involving human subjects must comply with the

    recommendations set forth in this Resolution and the documents endorsed in its preamble.

    The responsibility of the researcher cannot be transferred or refused, and includes all ethical

    and legal aspects (as per Section IX.1 of Resolution 196/96).

    The researcher must (as per Section IX.2 of Resolution 196/96):

    submit a duly documented protocol of research to the CER and await the decision of

    said body before beginning the research;

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