Network for Excellence in Neuroscience Clinical Trials—NeuroNext—Uses AAHRPP-Accredited Centralized IRB

A recent NIH initiative expands capability for exploratory (phase II) trials of treatments for neurological diseases. The National Institute for Neurological Disorders recently made awards to 25 U.S. clinical sites, a clinical coordinating center, and a data coordinating center to build a “network of excellence” to speed the translation of advances in neuroscience research into clinical practice.
 
One innovative feature of NeuroNext is the mandatory use of an AAHRPP-accredited central institutional review board (IRB) by participating sites. Partners Healthcare’s IRB was awarded a grant to provide central IRB services to the network.

This infrastructure, funded for at least seven years, is intended to streamline trial contracting and IRB review, and to grant access to research participants all over the country. The goal is to reduce the time it takes to complete the studies, as well as the expense of phase II clinical trials, by as much as 50 percent.