Clinical trial supplies: investigational medicinal products (IMPs)

Abstract

This chapter describes the procedures and records associated with accountability of investigational and non-investigational medicinal products (IMP and NIMP) used in clinical trials, to show that the drug has been labelled according to the regulations, stored in conditions to keep it stable, prepared and administered to the correct subjects in accordance with the protocol, has been fully accounted for and destroyed if unused. Manufacture of IMP is discussed together with methods of blinding. The role of the Qualified person (QP) is reviewed. The need for study drug accountability is discussed in context with the regulatory requirements (Clinical Trial Directive 2001/20/EC and in particular, GMP Directive 2003/94/EC Annex 13). The chapter explains what needs to be accounted for and describes the types of records including: labelling records, delivery and transportation, receipt, storage, preparation, dispensing and administration, unblinding records, reconciliation, returns and destruction. Discussions are included on protocol compliance, management of excursions resulting from incorrect storage conditions, management of dosing errors and documentation errors, expiry date re-labelling, drug recall and re-supply. Sections are included on considerations for non-commercial studies, GMP requirements for UK Phase I clinics and sites requiring a MIA (IMP) license.