Protocol amendment

If a sponsor intends to conduct a study that is not covered by a protocol already contained in their IND application, the sponsor is expected to submit to FDA a protocol amendment containing a copy of the new protocol and a brief description of the most clinically significant differences between it and the previous protocols.

A sponsor of an IND application is expected to submit a protocol amendment in cases when there are changes in the existing protocol that significantly affect safety of subjects, scope of the investigation, or scientific quality of the study. Such amendment should contain a brief description of the change and reference (date and number) to the submission that contained the original protocol. For example, changes requiring an amendment to an IND application may include:

Any increase in drug dosage or duration of exposure of individual subjects to the drug beyond that described in the current protocol, or any significant increase in the number of subjects under study.

Any significant change in the design of a protocol (such as the addition or elimination of a control group).

Addition of a new test or procedure intended to improve monitoring for, or reduce the risk of, a side effect or adverse event; or elimination of a test intended to monitor safety.

Note: a protocol change intended to eliminate an apparent immediate hazard to human subjects may be implemented immediately, provided that FDA is subsequently notified by protocol amendment and the reviewing IRB is also notified.

A sponsor of an IND application is expected to submit a protocol amendment when a new investigator is added to carry out a previously submitted protocol. The amendment should include the investigator's name, the qualifications to conduct the investigation, and any reference to the previously submitted protocol, if relevant. FDA should be notified within 30 days of the investigator being added.