Emory looks at several considerations when deciding if we can cede review to an external IRB. Currently we rely on one commercial IRB – Western IRB or WIRB – for industry-sponsored Phase IIb-IV drug/device studies. We will not rely on any other commercial IRBs. We often enter into study-specific reliance agreements when the relying institution’s involvement is low risk. But for multisite clinical studies, single-IRB reliance arrangements can be much more complex. Emory, thus far, will not agree to serve as a central IRB for multisite clinical studies. Please see the IRB website for general information about collaborative research, or contact IRB Director Rebecca Rousselle with specific questions at rebecca.rousselle@emory.edu or 404-712-0785.

From the Office of the Institution Review Board