What is the primary role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in clinical trials?

The primary role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in clinical trials is to review and approve trial protocols. This function is critical to ensuring the protection of human participants involved in clinical research. The IRB assesses various aspects of the trial protocol, including the ethical implications, the design of the study, the informed consent process, and the potential risks versus benefits to participants.

By providing oversight and ensuring compliance with ethical standards and regulations, the IRB plays a vital role in safeguarding participants' rights and welfare. Their review process is fundamental to maintaining public trust in clinical research, as it ensures that studies are conducted responsibly and ethically. The approval from an IRB is often a necessary step before a trial can commence, highlighting its essential role in the research process.

The other functions listed, such as conducting the trial, recruiting participants, and analyzing data, fall under different responsibilities typically managed by researchers and trial sponsors, rather than the IRB itself.