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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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).
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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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