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Feb 8, 2013Article Details
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Main Article Content
Analysis of time to regulatory and ethical approval of SATVI TB vaccine trials in South Africa
Abstract
research ethics committee (HREC). Delays in regulatory and ethical approval may affect operational and budget planning and clinical
development of the product.
Aim. Our aim was to analyse the time to regulatory and ethical approval for TB vaccine trials conducted by the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) and to evaluate factors that influence time to final approval.
Method. Sixteen new TB vaccine clinical trials conducted by SATVI between 2004 and 2012 on infants, children, and adults were included. The
period between submission and final approval was determined for protocols submitted to the MCC and the University of Cape Town HREC.
Results. Median approval time following first submission to the MCC was 122 days (IQR 112 - 168; range 71 - 350), and for protocol amendments
103 days (interquartile range (IQR) 76 - 141; range 23 - 191; n=30). Median time following first submission for HREC approval was 60 days (IQR
33 - 81; range 18 - 125), and for amendments 6 days (IQR 4 - 13; range 1 - 37; n=30). There was no significant difference in approval time by trial
phase, year of submission, revisions required, study population, sample size, or whether a clinical research organisation (CRO) was used.
Conclusion. The time needed for regulatory and ethics approval was highly variable, but MCC approval for first submissions took twice as long as HREC approval and was the primary determinant of time to final approval. National regulatory capacity should be strengthened to facilitate the conduct of new TB vaccine trials in this country with its high burden of TB.
