128 Courses

This module will introduce you to monoclonal antibodies, explaining how they work, how they are made, and the many uses to which they are put.

Pharmacoepidemiology is the study of the use and effects of drugs in large numbers of people. It provides a bridge between clinical pharmacology and epidemiology. The increasing demand for real-world evidence of the safety, efficacy and utility of medicinal products has focused greater attention on pharmacoepidemiological research. This module will help those who plan and conduct such research, and analyse and report the findings, to follow good practice.

An Urgent Safety Restriction (USR) is a regulatory action taken, in response to a safety signal, to make an interim change to the terms of the marketing authorisation for a medicinal product in Europe. This module describes the principles and procedures for USRs.

Capture and management of clinical trial data is a challenge. The industry is under pressure to obtain and analyse such data more quickly, while maintaining data integrity, so that products can be brought to market sooner. Effective planning and adequate resources can ensure clinical trials yield high quality data within strict timelines and budget requirements, at the same time satisfying regulatory standards. This short course describes the purpose of data capture and explores efficiencies in data management as part of the evolving regulatory landscape.

Clinical trial design establishes the framework upon which the clinical trial process will be conducted, and sets the objectives of the trial. The application for marketing approval, submitted to the regulatory authorities, will provide clinical data reflecting the trial design. Since trial design impacts the whole drug development process and lifecycle, particular care and due diligence is essential. This short course provides an overview of the main types of study design.

Analytical statistical elements are essential concepts in the design of clinical trials. This analysis helps us to understand whether a conclusion from a study of a sample of the target population applies generally to that population as a whole. In particular, it helps us to answer the question: Did the treatment effect in the given study occur just by chance? The statistical elements of a well-controlled study minimise the chances of drawing the wrong conclusions, by providing clear thresholds for such errors. The basic statistical elements of a clinical trial include eligibility criteria, randomisation, sample size, power, and blinding, and these are discussed in this short course.

In clinical trials, endpoints are measurements to evaluate the results of a new treatment, at an individual patient level. The study data can be extrapolated to patient populations on the basis of clinical similarities to patients participating in the trial. When clinical trial data have been obtained, focus is on the trial endpoints; more specifically, the focus is on whether the trial met or failed the primary endpoint specified before the trial started. The purpose and various types of endpoints are discussed in this short course.

The demands on quality from clinical trials are increasing. Quantitative aspects of clinical trials, such as the mass of study data to be collected, the multiple investigational sites, and the need to meet predetermined timelines, often supersede qualitative features. Therefore, addressing basic requirements for quality management is essential when preparing a clinical trial. This short course describes the core elements required for the establishment of a clinical trial and provides an overview of the role of the sponsor in supporting and improving trial quality.

Clinical trial protocols are an essential part of clinical trial design. Protocol documents are critical to conducting safe and cost-effective investigations. Protocol documents are large and complex, containing comprehensive information relating to purpose, design and conduct of a clinical trial. Aspects of a protocol include patient eligibility criteria, and treatment specifications. This short course provides an overview of clinical trial protocols. Opportunities to improve a clinical trial protocol for regulatory approval are also discussed.

New drug development requires major investment in capital, human resources and technical expertise. Strict adherence to regulations on testing and manufacturing standards is also required before a new drug can be marketed. One of the greatest challenges in conducting clinical trials is that of efficiency. As trials become more comprehensive, involving large numbers of participants globally, their duration is prolonged and costs increase. The longer trials last, the shorter is the patent life remaining after market approval and the longer patients must wait for the new product. This short course covers the key components of clinical trials and how these requirements interact with the drug development cycle.