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Establishment and Operation of Clinical Trial Data Monitoring Committees

This guidance discusses the roles, responsibilities, and operating procedures of Data Monitoring Committees (DMCs) in clinical trials. It aims to assist sponsors in determining when a DMC may be useful for study monitoring and how such committees should operate. The guidance applies to trials evaluating new drugs, biologics, and devices, regardless of sponsor funding (public or private sector).

  1. Establish clear criteria for determining if a DMC is needed for your clinical trial
  2. Develop a DMC charter documenting:
    • Committee composition and member qualifications
    • Meeting schedule and format
    • Procedures for maintaining confidentiality
    • Statistical monitoring plan
    • Communication procedures
  3. Implement procedures to:
    • Assess potential conflicts of interest for DMC members
    • Maintain confidentiality of interim data
    • Document DMC recommendations and meeting minutes
    • Handle safety monitoring and reporting
  4. Consult FDA regarding:
    • DMC establishment for critical trials
    • Major protocol changes recommended by DMC
    • Early trial termination considerations
  5. Establish clear separation between:
    • DMC activities and trial management
    • Statisticians conducting interim analyses and those managing the trial
  6. Create procedures for sponsor interactions with DMC that minimize potential bias while allowing necessary communication

Key Considerations

Clinical testing

  • DMCs are generally recommended for controlled trials comparing rates of mortality or major morbidity
  • DMCs should monitor safety and effectiveness data throughout the trial duration
  • DMCs should have access to unblinded interim data to properly evaluate benefit-risk balance
  • Early termination decisions should be based on pre-specified statistical monitoring plans

Human Factors

  • DMCs should include members with relevant clinical expertise and experience
  • At least some DMC members should have prior DMC service experience
  • Members should be free from serious conflicts of interest
  • DMC members should maintain confidentiality of interim data

Safety

  • DMCs should monitor safety through review of adverse events and serious adverse events
  • Safety monitoring should include comparison of adverse event rates between treatment arms
  • DMCs should be informed of any unblinding for safety reasons
  • DMCs may recommend trial modifications based on safety concerns

Other considerations

  • ICH E6: Good Clinical Practice: Consolidated Guidance
  • ICH E9: Statistical Principles for Clinical Trials

Original guidance

  • Establishment and Operation of Clinical Trial Data Monitoring Committees
  • HTML / PDF
  • Issue date: 2006-03-28
  • Last changed date: 2021-12-03
  • Status: FINAL
  • Official FDA topics: Medical Devices, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Drugs, Biologics, Clinical - Medical
  • ReguVirta summary file ID: df94bff6bf189ffb7fa5aa2766f5a971
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