81_FR_15370 81 FR 15315 - Final Action Under the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines)

81 FR 15315 - Final Action Under the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines)

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 55 (March 22, 2016)

Page Range15315-15322
FR Document2016-06448

This notice sets forth final changes to the National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines) to incorporate the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) regarding human gene transfer protocols, as initially outlined by the NIH Office of Science Policy (OSP) in a Federal Register notice issued on October 16, 2015 (80 FR 62543). Following the solicitation of public comment on its original proposal, the NIH is amending the NIH Guidelines in the following areas: (A) The criteria for selecting protocols for in-depth review and public discussion by the NIH Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC), (B) the process by which human gene transfer protocols are reviewed and registered with the NIH, and (C) the streamlining of the NIH protocol submission requirements under Appendix M-I-A of the NIH Guidelines. In a continuing effort to harmonize with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, a change is being made to the reporting requirement for additional clinical trial sites allowing for a delay of 30 days to submit appropriate documentation. The changes set forth in this notice do not affect the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to submit documentation to his or her local oversight bodies and to the NIH, nor do they affect the requirement to submit appropriate documentation to the NIH when new clinical trial sites are registered. The changes also do not affect the responsibility of a Principal Investigator (or a delegated clinical trial sponsor) to submit appropriate and timely follow up information to the NIH as outlined in the NIH Guidelines (e.g., protocol amendments, serious adverse events, annual reports with cumulative safety data).

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 55 (Tuesday, March 22, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 22, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15315-15322]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-06448]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health


Final Action Under the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving 
Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines)

AGENCY: National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS.

ACTION: Notice of changes to the NIH Guidelines.

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[[Page 15316]]

SUMMARY: This notice sets forth final changes to the National 
Institutes of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or 
Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines) to incorporate the 
recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) regarding human gene 
transfer protocols, as initially outlined by the NIH Office of Science 
Policy (OSP) in a Federal Register notice issued on October 16, 2015 
(80 FR 62543). Following the solicitation of public comment on its 
original proposal, the NIH is amending the NIH Guidelines in the 
following areas: (A) The criteria for selecting protocols for in-depth 
review and public discussion by the NIH Recombinant DNA Advisory 
Committee (RAC), (B) the process by which human gene transfer protocols 
are reviewed and registered with the NIH, and (C) the streamlining of 
the NIH protocol submission requirements under Appendix M-I-A of the 
NIH Guidelines. In a continuing effort to harmonize with the Food and 
Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, a change is being made to the 
reporting requirement for additional clinical trial sites allowing for 
a delay of 30 days to submit appropriate documentation.
    The changes set forth in this notice do not affect the 
responsibility of the Principal Investigator to submit documentation to 
his or her local oversight bodies and to the NIH, nor do they affect 
the requirement to submit appropriate documentation to the NIH when new 
clinical trial sites are registered. The changes also do not affect the 
responsibility of a Principal Investigator (or a delegated clinical 
trial sponsor) to submit appropriate and timely follow up information 
to the NIH as outlined in the NIH Guidelines (e.g., protocol 
amendments, serious adverse events, annual reports with cumulative 
safety data).

DATES: Changes outlined in this notice will be effective April 27, 
2016, to coincide with the RAC review cycle and to allow institutions 
and investigators to establish processes for implementing the new 
review procedures.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions, or require 
additional background information about these changes, please contact 
the NIH by email at [email protected], by telephone at 301-496-
9838, by fax at 301-496-9839, or by mail to the Office of Science 
Policy, National Institutes of Health, 6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite 750, 
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7985.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NIH Office of the Director requested 
that the IOM review whether gene transfer research raises issues of 
concern that warrant the current level of RAC oversight of individual 
clinical trials involving gene transfer techniques. The IOM noted that 
the RAC has served a valuable role, but concluded that the current 
level of oversight over individual clinical trials is no longer 
justifiable. In an effort to maximize the benefits of the RAC review 
process, the IOM recommended that the NIH maintain its protocol 
submission and safety reporting requirements, but restrict individual 
gene transfer protocol reviews to exceptional cases that meet specified 
criteria (full recommendations are listed in the IOM report Oversight 
and Review of Clinical Gene Transfer Protocols: Assessing the Role of 
the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2013/Oversight-and-Review-of-Clinical-Gene-Transfer-Protocols.aspx)).
    After careful consideration of the IOM's recommendations and public 
consultation, the NIH is amending the NIH Guidelines in the following 
areas:
    A. Criteria and process for selecting protocols for RAC review. The 
following criteria (subsequently referred to as the NIH RAC review 
criteria) are being implemented for initiating RAC review of individual 
human gene transfer protocols (criteria listed in both items 1 and 2 
must be met):
    1. An oversight body (an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) or 
an Institutional Review Board (IRB)) determines that a human gene 
transfer protocol submitted to it for approval would significantly 
benefit from RAC review; and
    2. One or more of the criteria below are satisfied:
    a. The protocol uses a new vector, genetic material, or delivery 
methodology that represents a first-in-human experience, thus 
presenting an unknown risk.
    b. The protocol relies on preclinical safety data that were 
obtained using a new preclinical model system of unknown and 
unconfirmed value.
    c. The proposed vector, gene construct, or method of delivery is 
associated with possible toxicities that are not widely known and that 
may render it difficult for oversight bodies to evaluate the protocol 
rigorously.
    The chair of an oversight body or an authorized oversight body 
representative may submit a request for RAC review by sending the 
request to the NIH as part of the submission materials provided by the 
Principal Investigator. Requests for RAC review must originate from 
oversight bodies involved in the initial site(s) review. This request 
must include the rationale for why the protocol satisfies both items 1 
and 2 of the NIH RAC review criteria. The NIH will review the request 
and notify the requestor of a decision within 10 working days.
    1. If the NIH determines that the criteria listed in both 1 and 2 
above are satisfied, the NIH Director will convene the RAC.
    2. If the NIH receives a request for RAC review of a protocol that 
the NIH determines does not meet both of these criteria, the NIH will:
    a. Inform the requestor that RAC review is not warranted, and
    b. indicate that information regarding human gene transfer trials 
is available in the Genetic Modification Clinical Research Information 
System (GeMCRIS[supreg]), which may be found at https://www.gemcris.od.nih.gov.
    3. Even if the protocol does not meet the proposed criteria listed 
in both items 1 and 2 above, the NIH Director, in consultation (if 
necessary) with appropriate regulatory authorities (e.g., the Office 
for Human Research Protections, the Food and Drug Administration), can 
select protocols for review that may present significant scientific, 
societal, or ethical concerns.
    B. Process by which human gene transfer protocols are registered 
with the NIH. All human gene transfer protocols subject to Section III-
C of the NIH Guidelines will continue to be registered with the NIH. 
However, the following changes are being implemented:
    1. The Principal Investigator will continue to be responsible for 
submitting documentation regarding a proposed human gene transfer 
protocol to his or her local oversight bodies. The Principal 
Investigator will also continue to be responsible for submitting 
documentation as outlined in Appendix M-I-A to the NIH. As part of the 
submission to the NIH, documentation shall also include written 
assessments originating from all oversight bodies involved in the 
review at an initial site(s) as to whether or not RAC review is 
warranted.
    2. Completion of the protocol registration process:
    a. If no oversight body involved in the review at an initial 
site(s) requests public RAC review, the IBC(s) may proceed with its 
approval process upon receipt of documentation from the NIH indicating 
that the initial protocol registration process is complete. This 
documentation will be provided by the NIH to the Principal Investigator 
within 10 working days.
    b. If one or more oversight bodies involved in the review at an 
initial site(s) requests public RAC review and

[[Page 15317]]

the NIH agrees that the submission has met the above criteria in (A), 
the protocol will undergo RAC review and public discussion. The IBC(s) 
may not approve a protocol until the RAC has completed its review. The 
IBC(s) may proceed with the approval process upon receipt of a letter 
from the NIH summarizing the RAC's comments and recommendations (if 
any) regarding the protocol. Unless the NIH determines that there are 
exceptional circumstances, the NIH will send notification to the 
Principal Investigator within 10 working days after the completion of 
the RAC meeting at which the experiment was reviewed. Receipt of this 
letter concludes the protocol registration process.
    C. Streamlining the submission requirements for protocol 
registration. Section III-C-1 and Appendix M of the NIH Guidelines 
specify the requirements for protocol submission, RAC review, and 
reporting requirements for human gene transfer experiments. In an 
effort to streamline the protocol submission process, the NIH is 
reducing the submission requirements as outlined in Appendix M-I-A. 
Specifically, only a subset of the information listed under the current 
Appendices M-II through M-V will be required mainly for oversight 
bodies to determine RAC review eligibility and to support 
GeMCRIS[supreg], which facilitates safety data reporting and enables 
public access to information about human gene transfer protocols 
registered with the NIH.
    The changes to the RAC review process, outlined above, will require 
amendment of multiple portions of the NIH Guidelines (see section below 
on ``Amendments to the NIH Guidelines'').

Overview of Comments Received in Response to the October 16, 2015 
Notice

    In response to its October 16, 2015, Federal Register notice, the 
NIH received 11 letters of comment from academic institutions, private 
companies, and trade organizations representing the biosafety and 
biomedical research communities. The majority of letters endorsed the 
proposed changes to the review process; however commenters suggested 
that some revisions would be helpful to clarify the proposal. All 
comments, regardless of position, were reviewed and considered by the 
NIH. These comments, along with the NIH responses, are summarized 
below:
    Submission requirements for human gene transfer protocols. Several 
comments focused on the appropriate amount of documentation needed for 
the registration of human gene transfer protocols, especially in light 
of other federal reporting requirements. In its report, the IOM 
recognized the value of ongoing registration of all protocols, the 
dissemination of that information on these protocols through GeMCRIS, 
the ongoing reporting and analysis of safety data, and their public 
discussion at scientific workshops and symposia for the benefit of this 
field. Thus, to continue the NIH's role in fostering a public 
discussion of human gene transfer research, no further changes to the 
material required under Appendix M-I-A are being made.
    Criteria by which human gene transfer protocols will be selected. 
Some entities raised concerns about the difficulty in applying the IOM 
criteria to human gene transfer protocols, specifically in terms of 
defining ``novelty.'' Given the evolving field of human gene transfer 
research, it is important that the RAC review criteria maintain a 
degree of flexibility. Thus, the NIH intends to implement the IOM 
criteria as outlined in its report. Of relevance, the IOM did elaborate 
that ``[n]ovelty indicates an untested area of science, one that brings 
an additional layer of uncertainty as compared to research in areas of 
greater experience and one for which institutional review bodies 
typically do not have the requisite expertise.'' This may include a 
novel approach, application of a new technology, or a new route of 
administration of a gene transfer product to target a disease.
    Process by which human gene transfer protocols will be selected. 
Several comments requested clarification regarding the process by which 
a RAC public discussion would occur, whether entities other than 
oversight bodies (e.g. investigational new drug sponsors or Principal 
Investigators) could request review, or in the case of trials being 
conducted at more than one site, whether a clinical trial site added 
after completion of the protocol registration process for the initial 
site(s) could request RAC review. The ability to request RAC review 
lies initially and solely within the purview of the local oversight 
bodies (i.e., IBC and IRB), although the NIH Director in consultation 
(as needed) with the appropriate regulatory authorities may also 
require it. Since both the expertise that these oversight bodies (IBCs 
and IRBs) have regarding the review of human gene transfer trials and 
their rationale for requesting public review are potentially very 
different, a recommendation for public review from either oversight 
body will be sufficient to trigger a determination from the NIH as to 
whether the IOM criteria are met. To clarify the process for requesting 
RAC review, the NIH Guidelines will be amended to specify that a 
request for RAC review must be made by oversight bodies involved in the 
review at an initial site(s) registering the protocol with the NIH.
    RAC expertise and review. Several comments discussed the value of 
RAC review in terms of scientific expertise, and expressed concerns 
about removing this resource for local oversight bodies. The NIH 
recognizes the value of the RAC and intends to continue to support its 
review of those protocols that would benefit from additional expertise 
and public discussion. Historically, only a fraction of all protocols 
registered with the NIH are publicly reviewed and it is expected that 
oversight bodies will continue to review and approve protocols in the 
same manner they always have. In cases where an oversight body feels 
additional expertise is needed, it is encouraged to augment its 
membership with ad hoc experts.
    Proprietary confidential information. Comments were raised 
regarding the confidentiality of information submitted to the NIH, 
especially in cases where the submitter considers the information to be 
confidential or proprietary. The NIH Guidelines state that documents 
submitted to the NIH should not contain information considered 
``confidential'' and that the amended NIH Guidelines will further 
indicate that an entire document such as a clinical protocol cannot be 
classified as ``confidential'' in its entirety. Should a submitter 
choose to provide information that is considered to be trade secret, 
confidential commercial, or financial in nature, it is incumbent on the 
submitter to identify clearly these specific portions, outlining how 
the release of this information would cause financial or competitive 
harm. All records submitted to the NIH, including human gene transfer 
clinical trial information, are subject to the Freedom of Information 
Act (FOIA--5 U.S.C. 552) and the Department of Health and Human 
Services FOIA regulations (45 CFR part 5). Details about the FOIA and 
the regulations can be found on the NIH Web site at this address: 
http://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/freedom-information-act-office.

Amendments to the NIH Guidelines

    Throughout the document the following global changes will be made: 
(i) The NIH OSP will replace the NIH OBA, (ii) the term ``RAC review'' 
will be replaced with the term ``NIH protocol registration process'' as 
appropriate; (iii) the title for Appendix M-I-B will be changed; and 
(iv) the requirement for a CV/biosketch of key personnel will be

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deleted (except for the requirements under the membership provisions of 
IBCs, Section IV-B-2-a).
    Section I-E will be amended to include the following new 
definitions:
    I-E-11. An ``oversight body'' is an institutional entity (an 
Institutional Biosafety Committee or an Institutional Review Board) 
that must review and approve a human gene transfer trial.
    I-E-12. A ``regulatory authority'' in the context of human gene 
transfer research is a federal entity that by statute has oversight 
over research involving human subjects.
    Section III-C-1 will be amended as follows:
    Section III-C-1. Experiments Involving the Deliberate Transfer of 
Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, or DNA or RNA Derived 
from Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, into One or More 
Human Research Participants Human gene transfer is the deliberate 
transfer into human research participants of either:
    1. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules, or DNA or RNA derived from 
recombinant nucleic acid molecules, or
    2. Synthetic nucleic acid molecules, or DNA or RNA derived from 
synthetic nucleic acid molecules that meet any one of the following 
criteria:
    a. Contain more than 100 nucleotides; or
    b. Possess biological properties that enable integration into the 
genome (e.g., cis elements involved in integration); or
    c. Have the potential to replicate in a cell; or
    d. Can be translated or transcribed.
    No research participant shall be enrolled (see definition of 
enrollment in Section I-E-7) until the NIH protocol registration 
process has been completed (see Appendix M-I-B, Selection of Individual 
Protocols for Public RAC Review and Discussion).
    In its evaluation of human gene transfer protocols, the NIH will 
make a determination, following a request from one or more oversight 
bodies involved in the review at an initial site(s), whether a proposed 
human gene transfer experiment has one or more of the characteristics 
that warrant public RAC review and discussion (See Appendix M-1-B-1). 
The process of public RAC review and discussion is intended to foster 
the safe and ethical conduct of human gene transfer experiments. Public 
review and discussion of a human gene transfer experiment (and access 
to relevant information) also serves to inform the public about the 
technical aspects of the proposal, the meaning and significance of the 
research, and any significant safety, social, and ethical implications 
of the research.
    Public RAC review and discussion of a human gene transfer 
experiment will be initiated in two exceptional circumstances: (1) 
Following a request for public RAC review from one or more oversight 
bodies involved in the review at an initial site(s), the NIH concurs 
that the submission meets one or more of the following NIH RAC review 
criteria: (i) The protocol uses a new vector, genetic material, or 
delivery methodology that represents a first-in-human experience, thus 
presenting an unknown risk; (ii) the protocol relies on preclinical 
safety data that were obtained using a new preclinical model system of 
unknown and unconfirmed value; or (iii) the proposed vector, gene 
construct, or method of delivery is associated with possible toxicities 
that are not widely known and that may render it difficult for 
oversight bodies involved in the review at an initial site(s) to 
evaluate the protocol rigorously. However, if one or more oversight 
bodies involved in the review at an initial site(s) requests public RAC 
review, but the NIH does not concur that the submission meets one or 
more of the RAC review criteria (listed in i, ii, or iii), then the NIH 
OSP will inform, within 10 working days, the requesting and other 
oversight bodies involved in the review at an initial site(s) that 
public RAC review is not warranted. (2) The NIH Director, in 
consultation (if needed) with appropriate regulatory authorities, 
determines that the submission: (a) Meets one or more of the NIH RAC 
review criteria (listed in i, ii, or iii) and that public RAC review 
and discussion would provide a clear and obvious benefit to the 
scientific community or the public; or (b) raises significant 
scientific, societal, or ethical concerns.
    For a clinical trial site that is added after completion of the NIH 
protocol registration process, no research participant shall be 
enrolled (see definition of enrollment in Section I-E-7) at the 
clinical trial site until the following documentation has been 
submitted to the NIH OSP: (1) Institutional Biosafety Committee 
approval (from the clinical trial site); (2) Institutional Review Board 
approval; (3) Institutional Review Board-approved informed consent 
document; and (4) the NIH grant number(s) if applicable.
    In order to maintain public access to information regarding human 
gene transfer (including protocols that are not publicly reviewed by 
the RAC), the NIH OSP will maintain the documentation described in 
Appendices M-I through M-II. The information provided in response to 
Appendix M should not contain any confidential commercial or financial 
information or trade secrets, enabling all aspects of RAC review to be 
open to the public.
    Note: For specific directives concerning the use of retroviral 
vectors for gene delivery, consult Appendix B-V-1, Murine, Retroviral 
Vectors.
    Section IV-B-1-f will be amended as follows:
    Section IV-B-1-f. Ensure that when the institution participates in 
or sponsors recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule research 
involving human subjects: (i) The Institutional Biosafety Committee has 
adequate expertise and training (using ad hoc consultants as deemed 
necessary), (ii) all aspects of Appendix M have been appropriately 
addressed by the Principal Investigator; and (iii) no research 
participant shall be enrolled (see definition of enrollment in Section 
I-E-7) in a human gene transfer experiment until the NIH protocol 
registration process has been completed (see Appendix M-I-B, Selection 
of Individual Protocols for Public RAC Review and Discussion), 
Institutional Biosafety Committee approval has been obtained, 
Institutional Review Board approval has been obtained, and all 
applicable regulatory authorizations have been obtained. Institutional 
Biosafety Committee approval must be obtained from the clinical trial 
site.
    None of the other sub-sections under Section IV-B-1. General 
Information are to be amended.
    Section IV-B-2-a-(1) will be amended as follows:
    Section IV-B-2-a-(1). The Institutional Biosafety Committee must be 
composed of no fewer than five members so selected that they 
collectively have experience and expertise in recombinant or synthetic 
nucleic acid molecule technology and the capability to assess the 
safety of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule research and 
to identify any potential risk to public health or the environment. At 
least two members shall not be affiliated with the institution (apart 
from their membership on the Institutional Biosafety Committee) and who 
represent the interest of the surrounding community with respect to 
health and protection of the environment (e.g., officials of state or 
local public health or environmental protection agencies, members of 
other local governmental bodies, or persons active in medical, 
occupational health, or environmental concerns in the community). The 
Institutional Biosafety Committee shall include at least one individual 
with expertise in plant, plant pathogen, or plant pest containment

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principles when experiments utilizing Appendix P, Physical and 
Biological Containment for Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid 
Molecule Research Involving Plants, require prior approval by the 
Institutional Biosafety Committee. The Institutional Biosafety 
Committee shall include at least one scientist with expertise in animal 
containment principles when experiments utilizing Appendix Q, Physical 
and Biological Containment for Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid 
Molecule Research Involving Animals, require Institutional Biosafety 
Committee prior approval. When the institution conducts recombinant or 
synthetic nucleic acid molecule research at BL3, BL4, or Large Scale 
(greater than 10 liters), a Biological Safety Officer is mandatory and 
shall be a member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (see Section 
IV-B-3, Biological Safety Officer). When the institution participates 
in or sponsors recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule research 
involving human research participants, the institution must ensure 
that: (i) The Institutional Biosafety Committee has adequate expertise 
and training (using ad hoc consultants as deemed necessary); (ii) all 
aspects of Appendix M have been appropriately addressed by the 
Principal Investigator; (iii) no research participant shall be enrolled 
(see definition of enrollment in Section I-E-7) in a human gene 
transfer experiment until the NIH protocol registration process has 
been completed (see Appendix M-I-B, Selection of Individual Protocols 
for Public RAC Review and Discussion); and (iv) final IBC approval is 
granted only after the NIH protocol registration process has been 
completed (see Appendix M-I-B, Selection of Individual Protocols for 
Public RAC Review and Discussion). Institutional Biosafety Committee 
approval must be obtained from the clinical trial site.
    Note: Individuals, corporations, and institutions not otherwise 
covered by the NIH Guidelines, are encouraged to adhere to the 
standards and procedures set forth in Sections I through IV (see 
Section IV-D, Voluntary Compliance. The policy and procedures for 
establishing an Institutional Biosafety Committee under Voluntary 
Compliance, are specified in Section IV-D-2, Institutional Biosafety 
Committee Approval).
    None of the other sub-sections under Section IV-B2-a. Membership 
and Procedures of the IBC are to be amended.
    Section IV-B-2-b-(1) will be amended as follows:
    Section IV-B-2-b-(1). Reviewing recombinant or synthetic nucleic 
acid molecule research conducted at or sponsored by the institution for 
compliance with the NIH Guidelines as specified in Section III, 
Experiments Covered by the NIH Guidelines, and approving those research 
projects that are found to conform to the NIH Guidelines. This review 
shall include: (i) Independent assessment of the containment levels 
required by the NIH Guidelines for the proposed research; (ii) 
assessment of the facilities, procedures, practices, and training and 
expertise of personnel involved in recombinant or synthetic nucleic 
acid molecule research; (iii) ensuring that all aspects of Appendix M 
have been appropriately addressed by the Principal Investigator (iv) 
ensuring that no research participant is enrolled (see definition of 
enrollment in Section I-E-7) in a human gene transfer experiment until 
the NIH protocol registration process has been completed (see Appendix 
M-I-B, Selection of Individual Protocols for Public RAC Review and 
Discussion), Institutional Biosafety Committee approval (from the 
clinical trial site) has been obtained, Institutional Review Board 
approval has been obtained, and all applicable regulatory 
authorizations have been obtained; (v) for human gene transfer 
protocols selected for public RAC review and discussion, consideration 
of the issues raised and recommendations made as a result of this 
review and consideration of the Principal Investigator's response to 
the RAC recommendations; (vi) ensuring that final IBC approval is 
granted only after the NIH protocol registration process has been 
completed (see Appendix M-I-B, Selection of Individual Protocols for 
Public RAC Review and Discussion); and (vii) ensuring compliance with 
all surveillance, data reporting, and adverse event reporting 
requirements set forth in the NIH Guidelines.
    None of the other sub-sections under Section IV-B-2-b. Functions of 
the IBC are to be amended.
    Section IV-B-6 will be amended as follows:
    Section IV-B-6. Human Gene Therapy Expertise. When the institution 
participates in or sponsors recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid 
molecule research involving human subjects, the institution must ensure 
that: (i) The Institutional Biosafety Committee has adequate expertise 
and training (using ad hoc consultants as deemed necessary) and (ii) 
all aspects of Appendix M, Points to Consider in the Design and 
Submission of Protocols for the Transfer of Recombinant or Synthetic 
Nucleic Acid Molecules into One or More Human Subjects (Points to 
Consider), have been appropriately addressed by the Principal 
Investigator prior to its approval.
    Section IV-B-7-b-(6) will be amended as follows:
    Section IV-B-7-b-(6). Ensure that all aspects of Appendix M have 
been appropriately addressed prior to submission. No research 
participant shall be enrolled (see definition of enrollment in Section 
I-E-7) in a human gene transfer experiment until the NIH protocol 
registration process has been completed (see Appendix M-I-B, Selection 
of Individual Protocols for Public RAC Review and Discussion); IBC 
approval (from the clinical trial site) has been obtained; 
Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval has been obtained; and all 
applicable regulatory authorization(s) have been obtained.
    For a clinical trial site that is added after completion of the NIH 
protocol registration process, no research participant shall be 
enrolled (see definition of enrollment in Section I-E-7) at the 
clinical trial site until the following documentation has been 
submitted to the NIH OSP: (1) IBC approval (from the clinical trial 
site); (2) IRB approval; (3) IRB-approved informed consent document; 
and (4) NIH grant number(s) if applicable.
    To implement this new process, the NIH will amend Appendix M, 
Points to Consider in the Design and Submission of Protocols for the 
Transfer of Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules into One or 
More Human Research Participants (Points to Consider).
    Appendix M will be amended as follows:
    Appendix M applies to research conducted at or sponsored by an 
institution that receives any support for recombinant or synthetic 
nucleic acid molecule research from NIH. Researchers not covered by the 
NIH Guidelines are encouraged to use Appendix M (see Section I-C, 
General Applicability).
    The acceptability of human somatic cell gene transfer has been 
addressed in several public documents as well as in numerous academic 
studies. In November 1982, the President's Commission for the Study of 
Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research 
published a report, Splicing Life, which resulted from a two-year 
process of public deliberation and hearings. Upon release of that 
report, a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee held three days of 
public hearings with witnesses from a wide range of fields

[[Page 15320]]

from the biomedical and social sciences to theology, philosophy, and 
law. In December 1984, the Office of Technology Assessment released a 
background paper, Human Gene Therapy, which concluded that civic, 
religious, scientific, and medical groups have all accepted, in 
principle, the appropriateness of gene transfer of somatic cells in 
humans for specific genetic diseases. Somatic cell gene transfer is 
seen as an extension of present methods that might be preferable to 
other technologies. In light of this public support, the NIH is 
prepared to consider proposals for somatic cell gene transfer.
    The NIH will not at present entertain proposals for germ line 
alterations but will consider proposals involving somatic cell gene 
transfer. The purpose of somatic cell gene transfer is to treat an 
individual patient, e.g., by inserting a properly functioning gene into 
the subject's somatic cells. Germ line alteration involves a specific 
attempt to introduce genetic changes into the germ (reproductive) cells 
of an individual, with the aim of changing the set of genes passed on 
to the individual's offspring.
    The NIH continues to explore the issues raised by the potential of 
in utero gene transfer clinical research. However, the NIH concludes 
that, at present, it is premature to undertake any in utero gene 
transfer clinical trial. Significant additional preclinical and 
clinical studies addressing vector transduction efficacy, 
biodistribution, and toxicity are required before a human in utero gene 
transfer protocol can proceed. In addition, a more thorough 
understanding of the development of human organ systems, such as the 
immune and nervous systems, is needed to better define the potential 
efficacy and risks of human in utero gene transfer. Prerequisites for 
considering any specific human in utero gene transfer procedure include 
an understanding of the pathophysiology of the candidate disease and a 
demonstrable advantage to the in utero approach. Once the above 
criteria are met, the NIH would be willing to consider well 
rationalized human in utero gene transfer clinical trials.
    Research proposals involving the deliberate transfer of recombinant 
or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, or DNA or RNA derived from such 
nucleic acid molecules, into one or more human subjects (human gene 
transfer) will be considered through a registration process involving 
the NIH, oversight bodies involved in the review at an initial site(s), 
and regulatory authorities, when appropriate. Investigators shall 
submit the relevant information on the proposed human gene transfer 
experiment to the oversight bodies involved in the review at an initial 
site(s) and then to the NIH. The format of the submission is described 
in Appendix M-I-A, Requirements for Protocol Submission. Submission to 
the NIH OSP shall be for registration purposes and will ensure 
continued public access to relevant human gene transfer information 
conducted in compliance with the NIH Guidelines.
    Public RAC review and discussion of a human gene transfer 
experiment will be initiated in two exceptional circumstances: (1) 
Following a request for public RAC review from one or more oversight 
bodies involved in the review at an initial site(s), the NIH concurs 
that the submission meets one or more of the following NIH RAC review 
criteria: (i) The protocol uses a new vector, genetic material, or 
delivery methodology that represents a first-in-human experience, thus 
presenting an unknown risk; (ii) the protocol relies on preclinical 
safety data that were obtained using a new preclinical model system of 
unknown and unconfirmed value; or (iii) the proposed vector, gene 
construct, or method of delivery is associated with possible toxicities 
that are not widely known and that may render it difficult for 
oversight bodies involved in the review at an initial site(s) to 
evaluate the protocol rigorously. However, if one or more oversight 
bodies involved in the review at an initial site(s) requests public RAC 
review, but the NIH does not concur that the submission meets one or 
more of the RAC review criteria (listed in i, ii, or iii), then the NIH 
OSP will inform, within 10 working days, the requesting and other 
oversight bodies involved in the review at an initial site(s) that 
public RAC review is not warranted. (2) The NIH Director, in 
consultation (if needed) with appropriate regulatory authorities, 
determines that the submission: (a) Meets one or more of the NIH RAC 
review criteria (listed in i, ii, or iii) and that public RAC review 
and discussion would provide a clear and obvious benefit to the 
scientific community or the public; or (b) raises significant 
scientific, societal, or ethical concerns.
    If it is determined that a human gene transfer trial will undergo 
public RAC review, the NIH will immediately notify the Principal 
Investigator. RAC recommendations following public review on a specific 
human gene transfer experiment shall be forwarded to the Principal 
Investigator, oversight bodies involved in the review at an initial 
site(s), and regulatory authorities, as appropriate. Relevant 
documentation will be included in the material for the RAC meeting at 
which the human gene transfer trial is scheduled to be discussed. RAC 
meetings will be open to the public except where trade secrets and 
proprietary information are reviewed (see Section IV-D-5, Protection of 
Proprietary Data--Voluntary Compliance). Information provided in 
response to Appendix M should not contain any proprietary data or trade 
secrets, enabling all aspects of the review to be open to the public.
    Some but not all sections of Appendix M-I Requirements for Protocol 
Submission, Review, and Reporting--Human Gene Transfer Experiments will 
be amended to decrease the number and amount of supporting 
documentation that must be submitted upon protocol registration, and to 
modify the timing of the registration processes. Principal 
Investigators must submit the material as outlined below to oversight 
bodies at the proposed clinical trial sites; however, submission of 
responses to Appendices M-II through M-V or curriculum vitae will no 
longer be required.
    Appendix M-I-A will be amended as follows:

Appendix M-I-A. Requirements for Protocol Submission

    The following documentation must be submitted according to 
institutional policy, to the appropriate oversight bodies involved in 
the review at an initial site(s) and subsequently in electronic form to 
the NIH OSP:
    1. A scientific abstract.
    2. The proposed clinical protocol, including tables, figures, and 
any relevant publications.
    3. Summary of preclinical studies conducted in support of the 
proposed clinical trial or reference to the specific section of the 
protocol providing this information.
    4. A description of the product:
    a. Describe the derivation of the delivery vector system including 
the source (e.g., viral, bacterial, or plasmid vector); and 
modifications (e.g., deletions to attenuate or self-inactivate, 
encapsulation in any synthetic complex, changes to tropisms, etc.). 
Please reference any previous clinical experience with this vector or 
similar vectors.
    b. Describe the genetic content of the transgene or nucleic acid 
delivered including the species source of the sequence and whether any 
modifications have been made (e.g. mutations, deletions, and 
truncations). What are the regulatory elements contained in the 
construct?

[[Page 15321]]

    c. Describe any other material to be used in preparation of the 
agent (vector and transgene) that will be administered to the human 
research subject (e.g., helper virus, packaging cell line, carrier 
particles).
    d. Describe the methods for replication-competent virus testing, if 
applicable.
    e. Describe the intended ex vivo or in vivo target cells and 
transduction efficiency.
    f. Describe the gene transfer agent delivery method.
    5. The proposed informed consent document.
    6. Specifically for submission to the NIH OSP, the Principal 
Investigator shall provide additional documentation originating from 
oversight bodies involved in the review at an initial site(s) regarding 
their assessment of whether public RAC review is warranted. In the 
event that review is requested, a justification that the NIH RAC review 
criteria (see Section III-C-1) are met shall be included.
    Note: Any application submitted shall not contain any document that 
is designated as `confidential' in its entirety. In the event that a 
determination has been made that a specific portion of a document 
should be considered proprietary or trade secret, each specific portion 
should be clearly identified as such. In the event that a specific 
portion of the submission is identified to be proprietary or trade 
secret, the submission to the NIH OSP must contain a letter that: (1) 
Clearly indicates what select portions of the application contain 
information considered as proprietary or trade secret, and (2) provides 
justification as to why this information is considered to be 
proprietary or trade secret. The justification must be able to 
demonstrate with specificity how release of that information will 
reveal a trade secret or will result in substantial competitive harm.
    Appendix M-I-B, RAC Review Requirements will be amended to change 
the process and timing of public RAC review. Currently, investigators 
are informed within 15 working days whether or not the protocol 
requires public RAC review. Public discussion of selected protocols 
then occurs at the next quarterly RAC meeting, which occurs, at a 
minimum of, eight weeks after receipt of a complete protocol 
submission. Individual RAC members will no longer make a recommendation 
regarding whether a protocol should be selected for review at a public 
meeting.
    Therefore, Appendix M-1-B-1 and Appendix M-1-B-2 are being amended 
as follows to form a consolidated Appendix M-1-B:

Appendix M-1-B. Selection of Individual Protocols for Public RAC Review 
and Discussion

    As part of the NIH protocol registration process, documentation 
originating from all oversight bodies involved in the review at an 
initial site(s) regarding their assessment of whether public RAC review 
is warranted must accompany the Principal Investigator's submission to 
the NIH. If no oversight body involved in the review at an initial 
site(s) requests public RAC review, then the required documentation to 
register the protocol (see Appendix M-I-A) shall be submitted to the 
NIH OSP at any time, but not less than 10 working days prior to the 
anticipated date of enrollment of the first subject (see definition of 
enrollment in Section I-E-7). This information shall be provided in 
electronic form to the Office of Science Policy, National Institutes of 
Health, 6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite 750, Bethesda, MD 20892-7985 (20817 
for non-USPS mail), 301-496-9838, 301-496-9839 (fax), Email: 
[email protected]. An acknowledgement that the protocol 
registration process is complete will occur within the 10 working days 
period prior to the anticipated date of enrollment. Final IBC approval 
may then be granted.
    If one or more oversight bodies involved in the review at an 
initial site(s) requests public RAC review, but the NIH does not concur 
that the submission meets one or more of the RAC review criteria, the 
NIH OSP will notify the Principal Investigator, oversight bodies 
involved in the review at an initial site(s), and regulatory 
authorities, as appropriate, that public RAC review is not warranted. 
An acknowledgement that the protocol registration process is complete 
will accompany this decision. Final IBC approval may then be granted.
    If an oversight body involved in the review at an initial site(s) 
determines that: (1) A protocol submission would significantly benefit 
from public RAC review and discussion and (2) that one or more of the 
following NIH RAC review criteria are met: (i) The protocol uses a new 
vector, genetic material, or delivery methodology that represents a 
first-in-human experience, thus presenting an unknown risk; or (ii) the 
protocol relies on preclinical safety data that were obtained using a 
new preclinical model system of unknown and unconfirmed value; or (iii) 
the proposed vector, gene construct, or method of delivery is 
associated with possible toxicities that are not widely known and that 
may render it difficult for local and federal regulatory bodies to 
evaluate the protocol rigorously, and is therefore requesting RAC 
review and public discussion, the Principal Investigator shall submit 
the documentation as outlined in Appendix M-I-A at least 8 weeks prior 
to the next scheduled meeting in order to be reviewed at that RAC 
meeting. The submission shall include documentation originating from 
oversight bodies involved in the review at an initial site(s) regarding 
their assessment of whether public RAC review is warranted and that one 
or both have justified their request according the NIH RAC review 
criteria listed above. The submission shall be provided to the NIH in 
electronic form to the Office of Science Policy, National Institutes of 
Health, 6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite 750, Bethesda, MD 20892-7985 (20817 
for non-USPS mail), 301-496-9838, 301-496-9839 (fax), Email: 
[email protected]. If the NIH concurs that the submission meets 
one or more of the following NIH RAC review criteria above, the 
protocol will undergo public RAC review and discussion.
    Even if an oversight body involved in the review at an initial 
site(s) does not request public RAC review, the NIH Director, after 
consultation (if needed) with appropriate regulatory authorities, may 
initiate public RAC review if (a) the protocol has one or more of the 
characteristics listed above (i, ii, or iii) and public RAC review and 
discussion would provide a clear and obvious benefit to the scientific 
community or public; or (b) the protocol otherwise raises significant 
scientific, societal, or ethical concerns. If a protocol is to undergo 
RAC public discussion a complete human gene transfer protocol package 
must be submitted at least 8 weeks before a scheduled RAC meeting to be 
reviewed at that upcoming meeting.
    After a human gene transfer experiment is publicly reviewed by the 
full RAC at a regularly scheduled meeting, the NIH OSP will send a 
letter summarizing the RAC's comments and recommendations (if any) 
regarding the protocol to the Principal Investigator(s), oversight 
bodies involved in the review at an initial site(s), and regulatory 
authorities as appropriate. Unless the NIH determines that there are 
exceptional circumstances, the NIH will send this letter to the 
Principal Investigator within 10 working days after the completion of 
the RAC meeting at which the experiment was reviewed. Receipt of this 
letter concludes the

[[Page 15322]]

protocol registration process. Final IBC approval may then be granted.
    RAC meetings will be open to the public except where trade secrets 
or confidential commercial information are reviewed. To enable all 
aspects of the protocol review process to be open to the public, 
information provided in response to Appendix M-I-A should not contain 
trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information. 
Documentation submitted to the NIH OSP shall not be designated as 
`confidential' in its entirety. In the event that a determination has 
been made that a specific portion of a document submitted should be 
considered as proprietary or trade secret, each specific portion should 
be clearly identified as such. The cover letter (attached to the 
submitted material) shall: (1) Clearly indicate what select portions 
contain information considered as proprietary or a trade secret; and 
(2) provide justification as to why this information is considered to 
be proprietary or trade secret. This justification must be able to 
demonstrate with specificity how release of that information will 
reveal a trade secret or will result in substantial competitive harm.
    Appendix M-I-C-2 currently states:

Appendix M-I-C-2. Additional Clinical Trial Sites

    No research participant shall be enrolled (see definition of 
enrollment in Section I-E-7) at a clinical trial site until the 
following documentation has been submitted to NIH OBA: (1) 
Institutional Biosafety Committee approval (from the clinical trial 
site); (2) Institutional Review Board approval; (3) Institutional 
Review Board-approved informed consent document; (4) curriculum 
vitae of the Principal Investigator(s) (no more than two pages in 
biographical sketch format); and (5) NIH grant number(s) if 
applicable.

Appendix M-1-C-2 will be amended as follows:

Appendix M-I-C-2. Additional Clinical Trial Sites

    Within 30 days of enrollment (see definition of enrollment in 
Section I-E-7) at a clinical trial site, the following documentation 
shall be submitted to NIH OSP: (1) Institutional Biosafety Committee 
approval (from the clinical trial site); (2) Institutional Review 
Board approval; (3) Institutional Review Board-approved informed 
consent document; and (4) NIH grant number(s) if applicable.

There are no amendments to Appendix M-I-D, Safety Assessments in Human 
Gene Transfer Research.
    The current appendices Appendix M-II, Description of the Proposal; 
Appendix M-III, Informed Consent; Appendix M-IV, Privacy; and Appendix 
M-V, Special Issues will be deleted in their entirety, except for 
Appendix M-III-B-2-b, Long Term Follow-Up which will be updated to 
include a reference to FDA's current guidance on this issue and will 
become Appendix M-II.
    Appendix M-II will be amended as follows:

Appendix M-II. Long Term Follow-Up

    To permit evaluation of long-term safety and efficacy of gene 
transfer, prospective subjects should be informed that they are 
expected to cooperate in long-term follow-up that extends beyond the 
active phase of the study. A list of persons who can be contacted in 
the event that questions arise during the follow-up period should be 
provided to the investigator. In addition, the investigator should 
request that subjects continue to provide a current address and 
telephone number.
    The subjects should be informed of any significant findings 
resulting from the study will be made known in a timely manner to 
them and/or their parent or guardian including new information about 
the experimental procedure, the harms and benefits experienced by 
other individuals involved in the study, and any long-term effects 
that have been observed.
    Additional guidance is available in the FDA Guidance for 
Industry: Gene Therapy Clinical Trials--Observing Subjects for 
Delayed Adverse Events (available at the following URL: http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/CellularandGeneTherapy/default.htm).

Appendix M-VI Footnotes of Appendix M will be renumbered to Appendix M-
III. Footnotes of Appendix M. There will be no amendment to the 
language.

    Dated: March 15, 2016.
Francis S. Collins,
Director, National Institutes of Health.
[FR Doc. 2016-06448 Filed 3-21-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4140-01-P



                                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2016 / Notices                                                                            15315

                                                    2016, Vol. 81 pp.1633 and allowed 60-                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:     To                          scale cancer genomic data and
                                                    days for public comment. No public                                     obtain a copy of the data collection                             associated clinical information. The goal
                                                    comments were received. The purpose                                    plans and instruments, or request more                           of this effort is to develop an innovative,
                                                    of this notice is to allow an additional                               information on the proposed project,                             cost-effective model for computational
                                                    30 days for public comment. The                                        contact: Anthony Kerlavage, NCI CBIIT,                           analysis of biological data and provide
                                                    National Cancer Institute (NCI),                                       Program Manager, 9609 Medical Center                             broader yet secure access to genomic
                                                    National Institutes of Health (NIH), may                               Drive, Room 1W–436, Rockville, MD                                data that NCI generates. Cloud
                                                    not conduct or sponsor, and the                                        20850 or call non-toll-free number 240–                          computing will be a valuable tool to
                                                    respondent is not required to respond                                  276–5190 or email your request,                                  support studies related to the
                                                    to, an information collection that has                                 including your address to:
                                                                                                                                                                                            mechanisms of cancer. This capability
                                                    been extended, revised, or implemented                                 anthony.kerlavage@nih.gov. Formal
                                                                                                                                                                                            will be equally valuable to other NCI
                                                    on or after October 1, 1995, unless it                                 requests for additional plans and
                                                    displays a currently valid OMB control                                 instruments must be requested in                                 scientific areas, including clinical trials
                                                    number.                                                                writing.                                                         and other types of patient-focused
                                                      Direct Comments to OMB: Written                                        Proposed Collection: Cancer                                    research. In order to understand the
                                                    comments and/or suggestions regarding                                  Genomics Cloud Pilots Survey, 0925–                              utility and value of the tools being
                                                    the item(s) contained in this notice,                                  NEW, National Cancer Institute (NCI),                            developed, the NCI has developed a
                                                    especially regarding the estimated                                     National Institutes of Health (NIH).                             survey instrument to capture feedback
                                                    public burden and associated response                                    Need and Use of Information                                    from the cancer research community.
                                                    time, should be directed to the: Office                                Collection Need and Use of Information                           The information collected as part of this
                                                    of Management and Budget, Office of                                    Collection: The Center for Biomedical                            survey process will be used exclusively
                                                    Regulatory Affairs,                                                    Informatics and Information Technology                           by the NCI to determine future funding
                                                    OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov or by                                      (CBIIT), in collaboration with the Center                        of cloud technology projects.
                                                    fax to 202–395–6974, Attention: NIH                                    for Cancer Genomics at the National
                                                                                                                                                                                               OMB approval is requested for 3
                                                    Desk Officer.                                                          Cancer Instititues (NCI) in the National
                                                      Comment Due Date: Comments                                           Institutes of Health (NIH), is                                   years. There are no costs to respondents
                                                    regarding this information collection are                              coordinating a program to develop three                          other than their time. The total
                                                    best assured of having their full effect if                            Cancer Genomics Cloud Pilots to help                             estimated annualized burden hours are
                                                    received within 30 days of the date of                                 meet the research community’s needs to                           375.
                                                    this publication.                                                      access and analyze high quality, large-

                                                                                                                          ESTIMATED ANNUALIZED BURDEN HOURS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Average
                                                                                                                                                                                            Number of
                                                                                                                                                                           Number of                           burden per              Total annual
                                                                     Form name                                           Type of respondent                                               responses per
                                                                                                                                                                          respondents                           response               burden hour
                                                                                                                                                                                            respondent          (in hours)

                                                    Cloud Pilot Survey ............................         Principal Investigator ........................                       1500                  1                  15/60                375

                                                         Totals .........................................   ...........................................................           1500               1500   ........................            375



                                                      Dated: March 14, 2016.                                               notify the Contact Person listed below                           Treatment Research; 93.396, Cancer Biology
                                                    Karla Bailey,                                                          in advance of the meeting.                                       Research; 93.397, Cancer Centers Support;
                                                                                                                                                                                            93.398, Cancer Research Manpower; 93.399,
                                                    Project Clearance Liaison, National Cancer                               Name of Committee: President’s Cancer                          Cancer Control, National Institutes of Health,
                                                    Institute, NIH.                                                        Panel.                                                           HHS)
                                                    [FR Doc. 2016–06332 Filed 3–21–16; 8:45 am]                              Date: June 10, 2016.
                                                                                                                             Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.                                     Dated: March 16, 2016.
                                                    BILLING CODE 4140–01–P
                                                                                                                             Agenda: Examining the Cancer Drug Cost                         Melanie Gray,
                                                                                                                           and Access Landscape.                                            Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory
                                                                                                                             Place: New York Hilton Midtown, 1335                           Committee Policy.
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND                                               Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY
                                                    HUMAN SERVICES                                                         10019.                                                           [FR Doc. 2016–06335 Filed 3–21–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                             Contact Person: Abby B. Sandler, Ph.D.,                        BILLING CODE 4140–01–P
                                                    National Institutes of Health                                          Executive Secretary, President’s Cancer
                                                                                                                           Panel, Special Assistant to the Director, NCI
                                                    National Cancer Institute, Notice of                                   Center for Cancer Research, 9000 Rockville                       DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                    Meeting                                                                Pike, Building 31, Room B2B37, MSC 2590,                         HUMAN SERVICES
                                                                                                                           Bethesda, MD 20892–8349, 301–451–9399,
                                                       Pursuant to section 10(a) of the                                    sandlera@mail.nih.gov.                                           National Institutes of Health
                                                    Federal Advisory Committee Act, as                                       Information is also available on the
                                                    amended (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is                                     Institute’s/Center’s home page: http://                          Final Action Under the NIH Guidelines
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    hereby given of the meeting of the                                     deainfo.nci.nih.gov/advisory/pcp/index.htm,                      for Research Involving Recombinant or
                                                    President’s Cancer Panel.                                              where an agenda and any additional                               Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH
                                                                                                                           information for the meeting will be posted                       Guidelines)
                                                       The meeting will be open to the                                     when available.
                                                    public, with attendance limited to space                               (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance                        AGENCY: National Institutes of Health
                                                    available. Individuals who plan to                                     Program Nos. 93.392, Cancer Construction;                        (NIH), HHS.
                                                    attend and need special assistance, such                               93.393, Cancer Cause and Prevention                              ACTION: Notice of changes to the NIH
                                                    as sign language interpretation or other                               Research; 93.394, Cancer Detection and                           Guidelines.
                                                    reasonable accommodations, should                                      Diagnosis Research; 93.395, Cancer



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                                                    15316                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2016 / Notices

                                                    SUMMARY:    This notice sets forth final                IOM review whether gene transfer                      This request must include the rationale
                                                    changes to the National Institutes of                   research raises issues of concern that                for why the protocol satisfies both items
                                                    Health Guidelines for Research                          warrant the current level of RAC                      1 and 2 of the NIH RAC review criteria.
                                                    Involving Recombinant or Synthetic                      oversight of individual clinical trials               The NIH will review the request and
                                                    Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH                             involving gene transfer techniques. The               notify the requestor of a decision within
                                                    Guidelines) to incorporate the                          IOM noted that the RAC has served a                   10 working days.
                                                    recommendations of the Institute of                     valuable role, but concluded that the                    1. If the NIH determines that the
                                                    Medicine (IOM) regarding human gene                     current level of oversight over                       criteria listed in both 1 and 2 above are
                                                    transfer protocols, as initially outlined               individual clinical trials is no longer               satisfied, the NIH Director will convene
                                                    by the NIH Office of Science Policy                     justifiable. In an effort to maximize the             the RAC.
                                                    (OSP) in a Federal Register notice                      benefits of the RAC review process, the                  2. If the NIH receives a request for
                                                    issued on October 16, 2015 (80 FR                       IOM recommended that the NIH                          RAC review of a protocol that the NIH
                                                    62543). Following the solicitation of                   maintain its protocol submission and                  determines does not meet both of these
                                                    public comment on its original                          safety reporting requirements, but                    criteria, the NIH will:
                                                    proposal, the NIH is amending the NIH                   restrict individual gene transfer protocol               a. Inform the requestor that RAC
                                                    Guidelines in the following areas: (A)                  reviews to exceptional cases that meet                review is not warranted, and
                                                    The criteria for selecting protocols for                specified criteria (full recommendations                 b. indicate that information regarding
                                                    in-depth review and public discussion                   are listed in the IOM report Oversight                human gene transfer trials is available in
                                                    by the NIH Recombinant DNA Advisory                     and Review of Clinical Gene Transfer                  the Genetic Modification Clinical
                                                    Committee (RAC), (B) the process by                     Protocols: Assessing the Role of the                  Research Information System
                                                    which human gene transfer protocols                     Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee                    (GeMCRIS®), which may be found at
                                                    are reviewed and registered with the                    (http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2013/                     https://www.gemcris.od.nih.gov.
                                                    NIH, and (C) the streamlining of the NIH                Oversight-and-Review-of-Clinical-Gene-                   3. Even if the protocol does not meet
                                                    protocol submission requirements under                  Transfer-Protocols.aspx)).                            the proposed criteria listed in both
                                                    Appendix M–I–A of the NIH Guidelines.                     After careful consideration of the                  items 1 and 2 above, the NIH Director,
                                                    In a continuing effort to harmonize with                IOM’s recommendations and public                      in consultation (if necessary) with
                                                    the Food and Drug Administration                        consultation, the NIH is amending the                 appropriate regulatory authorities (e.g.,
                                                    (FDA) regulations, a change is being                    NIH Guidelines in the following areas:                the Office for Human Research
                                                    made to the reporting requirement for                     A. Criteria and process for selecting               Protections, the Food and Drug
                                                    additional clinical trial sites allowing                protocols for RAC review. The following               Administration), can select protocols for
                                                    for a delay of 30 days to submit                        criteria (subsequently referred to as the             review that may present significant
                                                    appropriate documentation.                              NIH RAC review criteria) are being                    scientific, societal, or ethical concerns.
                                                       The changes set forth in this notice do              implemented for initiating RAC review                    B. Process by which human gene
                                                    not affect the responsibility of the                    of individual human gene transfer                     transfer protocols are registered with the
                                                    Principal Investigator to submit                        protocols (criteria listed in both items 1            NIH. All human gene transfer protocols
                                                    documentation to his or her local                       and 2 must be met):                                   subject to Section III–C of the NIH
                                                    oversight bodies and to the NIH, nor do                   1. An oversight body (an Institutional              Guidelines will continue to be registered
                                                    they affect the requirement to submit                   Biosafety Committee (IBC) or an                       with the NIH. However, the following
                                                    appropriate documentation to the NIH                    Institutional Review Board (IRB))                     changes are being implemented:
                                                    when new clinical trial sites are                       determines that a human gene transfer                    1. The Principal Investigator will
                                                    registered. The changes also do not                     protocol submitted to it for approval                 continue to be responsible for
                                                    affect the responsibility of a Principal                would significantly benefit from RAC                  submitting documentation regarding a
                                                    Investigator (or a delegated clinical trial             review; and                                           proposed human gene transfer protocol
                                                    sponsor) to submit appropriate and                        2. One or more of the criteria below                to his or her local oversight bodies. The
                                                    timely follow up information to the NIH                 are satisfied:                                        Principal Investigator will also continue
                                                    as outlined in the NIH Guidelines (e.g.,                  a. The protocol uses a new vector,                  to be responsible for submitting
                                                    protocol amendments, serious adverse                    genetic material, or delivery                         documentation as outlined in Appendix
                                                    events, annual reports with cumulative                  methodology that represents a first-in-               M–I–A to the NIH. As part of the
                                                    safety data).                                           human experience, thus presenting an                  submission to the NIH, documentation
                                                                                                            unknown risk.                                         shall also include written assessments
                                                    DATES: Changes outlined in this notice
                                                                                                              b. The protocol relies on preclinical               originating from all oversight bodies
                                                    will be effective April 27, 2016, to                    safety data that were obtained using a                involved in the review at an initial
                                                    coincide with the RAC review cycle and                  new preclinical model system of                       site(s) as to whether or not RAC review
                                                    to allow institutions and investigators to              unknown and unconfirmed value.                        is warranted.
                                                    establish processes for implementing                      c. The proposed vector, gene                           2. Completion of the protocol
                                                    the new review procedures.                              construct, or method of delivery is                   registration process:
                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If                     associated with possible toxicities that                 a. If no oversight body involved in the
                                                    you have questions, or require                          are not widely known and that may                     review at an initial site(s) requests
                                                    additional background information                       render it difficult for oversight bodies to           public RAC review, the IBC(s) may
                                                    about these changes, please contact the                 evaluate the protocol rigorously.                     proceed with its approval process upon
                                                    NIH by email at SciencePolicy@                            The chair of an oversight body or an                receipt of documentation from the NIH
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    od.nih.gov, by telephone at 301–496–                    authorized oversight body                             indicating that the initial protocol
                                                    9838, by fax at 301–496–9839, or by                     representative may submit a request for               registration process is complete. This
                                                    mail to the Office of Science Policy,                   RAC review by sending the request to                  documentation will be provided by the
                                                    National Institutes of Health, 6705                     the NIH as part of the submission                     NIH to the Principal Investigator within
                                                    Rockledge Drive, Suite 750, Bethesda,                   materials provided by the Principal                   10 working days.
                                                    Maryland 20892–7985.                                    Investigator. Requests for RAC review                    b. If one or more oversight bodies
                                                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NIH                      must originate from oversight bodies                  involved in the review at an initial
                                                    Office of the Director requested that the               involved in the initial site(s) review.               site(s) requests public RAC review and


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2016 / Notices                                              15317

                                                    the NIH agrees that the submission has                  federal reporting requirements. In its                amended to specify that a request for
                                                    met the above criteria in (A), the                      report, the IOM recognized the value of               RAC review must be made by oversight
                                                    protocol will undergo RAC review and                    ongoing registration of all protocols, the            bodies involved in the review at an
                                                    public discussion. The IBC(s) may not                   dissemination of that information on                  initial site(s) registering the protocol
                                                    approve a protocol until the RAC has                    these protocols through GeMCRIS, the                  with the NIH.
                                                    completed its review. The IBC(s) may                    ongoing reporting and analysis of safety                 RAC expertise and review. Several
                                                    proceed with the approval process upon                  data, and their public discussion at                  comments discussed the value of RAC
                                                    receipt of a letter from the NIH                        scientific workshops and symposia for                 review in terms of scientific expertise,
                                                    summarizing the RAC’s comments and                      the benefit of this field. Thus, to                   and expressed concerns about removing
                                                    recommendations (if any) regarding the                  continue the NIH’s role in fostering a                this resource for local oversight bodies.
                                                    protocol. Unless the NIH determines                     public discussion of human gene                       The NIH recognizes the value of the
                                                    that there are exceptional                              transfer research, no further changes to              RAC and intends to continue to support
                                                    circumstances, the NIH will send                        the material required under Appendix                  its review of those protocols that would
                                                    notification to the Principal Investigator              M–I–A are being made.                                 benefit from additional expertise and
                                                    within 10 working days after the                           Criteria by which human gene transfer              public discussion. Historically, only a
                                                    completion of the RAC meeting at                        protocols will be selected. Some entities             fraction of all protocols registered with
                                                    which the experiment was reviewed.                      raised concerns about the difficulty in               the NIH are publicly reviewed and it is
                                                    Receipt of this letter concludes the                    applying the IOM criteria to human                    expected that oversight bodies will
                                                    protocol registration process.                          gene transfer protocols, specifically in              continue to review and approve
                                                       C. Streamlining the submission                       terms of defining ‘‘novelty.’’ Given the              protocols in the same manner they
                                                    requirements for protocol registration.                 evolving field of human gene transfer                 always have. In cases where an
                                                    Section III–C–1 and Appendix M of the                   research, it is important that the RAC                oversight body feels additional expertise
                                                    NIH Guidelines specify the                              review criteria maintain a degree of                  is needed, it is encouraged to augment
                                                    requirements for protocol submission,                   flexibility. Thus, the NIH intends to                 its membership with ad hoc experts.
                                                    RAC review, and reporting requirements                  implement the IOM criteria as outlined                   Proprietary confidential information.
                                                    for human gene transfer experiments. In                 in its report. Of relevance, the IOM did              Comments were raised regarding the
                                                    an effort to streamline the protocol                    elaborate that ‘‘[n]ovelty indicates an               confidentiality of information submitted
                                                    submission process, the NIH is reducing                 untested area of science, one that brings             to the NIH, especially in cases where the
                                                    the submission requirements as outlined                 an additional layer of uncertainty as                 submitter considers the information to
                                                    in Appendix M–I–A. Specifically, only                   compared to research in areas of greater              be confidential or proprietary. The NIH
                                                    a subset of the information listed under                experience and one for which                          Guidelines state that documents
                                                    the current Appendices M–II through                     institutional review bodies typically do              submitted to the NIH should not contain
                                                    M–V will be required mainly for                         not have the requisite expertise.’’ This              information considered ‘‘confidential’’
                                                    oversight bodies to determine RAC                       may include a novel approach,                         and that the amended NIH Guidelines
                                                    review eligibility and to support                       application of a new technology, or a                 will further indicate that an entire
                                                    GeMCRIS®, which facilitates safety data                 new route of administration of a gene                 document such as a clinical protocol
                                                    reporting and enables public access to                  transfer product to target a disease.                 cannot be classified as ‘‘confidential’’ in
                                                    information about human gene transfer                      Process by which human gene transfer               its entirety. Should a submitter choose
                                                    protocols registered with the NIH.                      protocols will be selected. Several                   to provide information that is
                                                       The changes to the RAC review                        comments requested clarification                      considered to be trade secret,
                                                    process, outlined above, will require                   regarding the process by which a RAC                  confidential commercial, or financial in
                                                    amendment of multiple portions of the                   public discussion would occur, whether                nature, it is incumbent on the submitter
                                                    NIH Guidelines (see section below on                    entities other than oversight bodies (e.g.            to identify clearly these specific
                                                    ‘‘Amendments to the NIH Guidelines’’).                  investigational new drug sponsors or                  portions, outlining how the release of
                                                                                                            Principal Investigators) could request                this information would cause financial
                                                    Overview of Comments Received in                        review, or in the case of trials being                or competitive harm. All records
                                                    Response to the October 16, 2015 Notice                 conducted at more than one site,                      submitted to the NIH, including human
                                                      In response to its October 16, 2015,                  whether a clinical trial site added after             gene transfer clinical trial information,
                                                    Federal Register notice, the NIH                        completion of the protocol registration               are subject to the Freedom of
                                                    received 11 letters of comment from                     process for the initial site(s) could                 Information Act (FOIA—5 U.S.C. 552)
                                                    academic institutions, private                          request RAC review. The ability to                    and the Department of Health and
                                                    companies, and trade organizations                      request RAC review lies initially and                 Human Services FOIA regulations (45
                                                    representing the biosafety and                          solely within the purview of the local                CFR part 5). Details about the FOIA and
                                                    biomedical research communities. The                    oversight bodies (i.e., IBC and IRB),                 the regulations can be found on the NIH
                                                    majority of letters endorsed the                        although the NIH Director in                          Web site at this address: http://
                                                    proposed changes to the review process;                 consultation (as needed) with the                     www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-
                                                    however commenters suggested that                       appropriate regulatory authorities may                director/office-communications-public-
                                                    some revisions would be helpful to                      also require it. Since both the expertise             liaison/freedom-information-act-office.
                                                    clarify the proposal. All comments,                     that these oversight bodies (IBCs and
                                                    regardless of position, were reviewed                   IRBs) have regarding the review of                    Amendments to the NIH Guidelines
                                                    and considered by the NIH. These                        human gene transfer trials and their                     Throughout the document the
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                                                    comments, along with the NIH                            rationale for requesting public review                following global changes will be made:
                                                    responses, are summarized below:                        are potentially very different, a                     (i) The NIH OSP will replace the NIH
                                                      Submission requirements for human                     recommendation for public review from                 OBA, (ii) the term ‘‘RAC review’’ will be
                                                    gene transfer protocols. Several                        either oversight body will be sufficient              replaced with the term ‘‘NIH protocol
                                                    comments focused on the appropriate                     to trigger a determination from the NIH               registration process’’ as appropriate; (iii)
                                                    amount of documentation needed for                      as to whether the IOM criteria are met.               the title for Appendix M–I–B will be
                                                    the registration of human gene transfer                 To clarify the process for requesting                 changed; and (iv) the requirement for a
                                                    protocols, especially in light of other                 RAC review, the NIH Guidelines will be                CV/biosketch of key personnel will be


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                                                    15318                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2016 / Notices

                                                    deleted (except for the requirements                    safety, social, and ethical implications              contain any confidential commercial or
                                                    under the membership provisions of                      of the research.                                      financial information or trade secrets,
                                                    IBCs, Section IV–B–2–a).                                   Public RAC review and discussion of                enabling all aspects of RAC review to be
                                                       Section I–E will be amended to                       a human gene transfer experiment will                 open to the public.
                                                    include the following new definitions:                  be initiated in two exceptional                          Note: For specific directives
                                                       I–E–11. An ‘‘oversight body’’ is an                  circumstances: (1) Following a request                concerning the use of retroviral vectors
                                                    institutional entity (an Institutional                  for public RAC review from one or more                for gene delivery, consult Appendix B–
                                                    Biosafety Committee or an Institutional                 oversight bodies involved in the review               V–1, Murine, Retroviral Vectors.
                                                    Review Board) that must review and                      at an initial site(s), the NIH concurs that              Section IV–B–1–f will be amended as
                                                    approve a human gene transfer trial.                    the submission meets one or more of the               follows:
                                                       I–E–12. A ‘‘regulatory authority’’ in                following NIH RAC review criteria: (i)                   Section IV–B–1–f. Ensure that when
                                                    the context of human gene transfer                      The protocol uses a new vector, genetic               the institution participates in or
                                                    research is a federal entity that by                    material, or delivery methodology that                sponsors recombinant or synthetic
                                                    statute has oversight over research                     represents a first-in-human experience,               nucleic acid molecule research
                                                    involving human subjects.                               thus presenting an unknown risk; (ii)                 involving human subjects: (i) The
                                                       Section III–C–1 will be amended as                   the protocol relies on preclinical safety             Institutional Biosafety Committee has
                                                    follows:                                                data that were obtained using a new                   adequate expertise and training (using
                                                       Section III–C–1. Experiments                         preclinical model system of unknown                   ad hoc consultants as deemed
                                                    Involving the Deliberate Transfer of                    and unconfirmed value; or (iii) the                   necessary), (ii) all aspects of Appendix
                                                    Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid                   proposed vector, gene construct, or                   M have been appropriately addressed by
                                                    Molecules, or DNA or RNA Derived                        method of delivery is associated with                 the Principal Investigator; and (iii) no
                                                    from Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic                   possible toxicities that are not widely               research participant shall be enrolled
                                                    Acid Molecules, into One or More                        known and that may render it difficult                (see definition of enrollment in Section
                                                    Human Research Participants Human                       for oversight bodies involved in the                  I–E–7) in a human gene transfer
                                                    gene transfer is the deliberate transfer                review at an initial site(s) to evaluate the          experiment until the NIH protocol
                                                    into human research participants of                     protocol rigorously. However, if one or               registration process has been completed
                                                    either:                                                 more oversight bodies involved in the                 (see Appendix M–I–B, Selection of
                                                       1. Recombinant nucleic acid                          review at an initial site(s) requests                 Individual Protocols for Public RAC
                                                    molecules, or DNA or RNA derived from                   public RAC review, but the NIH does                   Review and Discussion), Institutional
                                                    recombinant nucleic acid molecules, or                  not concur that the submission meets                  Biosafety Committee approval has been
                                                       2. Synthetic nucleic acid molecules,                 one or more of the RAC review criteria                obtained, Institutional Review Board
                                                    or DNA or RNA derived from synthetic                    (listed in i, ii, or iii), then the NIH OSP           approval has been obtained, and all
                                                    nucleic acid molecules that meet any                    will inform, within 10 working days, the              applicable regulatory authorizations
                                                    one of the following criteria:                          requesting and other oversight bodies                 have been obtained. Institutional
                                                       a. Contain more than 100 nucleotides;                involved in the review at an initial                  Biosafety Committee approval must be
                                                    or                                                      site(s) that public RAC review is not                 obtained from the clinical trial site.
                                                       b. Possess biological properties that                warranted. (2) The NIH Director, in                      None of the other sub-sections under
                                                    enable integration into the genome (e.g.,               consultation (if needed) with                         Section IV–B–1. General Information are
                                                    cis elements involved in integration); or               appropriate regulatory authorities,                   to be amended.
                                                       c. Have the potential to replicate in a              determines that the submission: (a)                      Section IV–B–2–a–(1) will be amended
                                                    cell; or                                                Meets one or more of the NIH RAC                      as follows:
                                                       d. Can be translated or transcribed.                 review criteria (listed in i, ii, or iii) and            Section IV–B–2–a–(1). The
                                                       No research participant shall be                     that public RAC review and discussion                 Institutional Biosafety Committee must
                                                    enrolled (see definition of enrollment in               would provide a clear and obvious                     be composed of no fewer than five
                                                    Section I–E–7) until the NIH protocol                   benefit to the scientific community or                members so selected that they
                                                    registration process has been completed                 the public; or (b) raises significant                 collectively have experience and
                                                    (see Appendix M–I–B, Selection of                       scientific, societal, or ethical concerns.            expertise in recombinant or synthetic
                                                    Individual Protocols for Public RAC                        For a clinical trial site that is added            nucleic acid molecule technology and
                                                    Review and Discussion).                                 after completion of the NIH protocol                  the capability to assess the safety of
                                                       In its evaluation of human gene                      registration process, no research                     recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid
                                                    transfer protocols, the NIH will make a                 participant shall be enrolled (see                    molecule research and to identify any
                                                    determination, following a request from                 definition of enrollment in Section I–E–              potential risk to public health or the
                                                    one or more oversight bodies involved                   7) at the clinical trial site until the               environment. At least two members
                                                    in the review at an initial site(s),                    following documentation has been                      shall not be affiliated with the
                                                    whether a proposed human gene                           submitted to the NIH OSP: (1)                         institution (apart from their membership
                                                    transfer experiment has one or more of                  Institutional Biosafety Committee                     on the Institutional Biosafety
                                                    the characteristics that warrant public                 approval (from the clinical trial site); (2)          Committee) and who represent the
                                                    RAC review and discussion (See                          Institutional Review Board approval; (3)              interest of the surrounding community
                                                    Appendix M–1–B–1). The process of                       Institutional Review Board-approved                   with respect to health and protection of
                                                    public RAC review and discussion is                     informed consent document; and (4) the                the environment (e.g., officials of state
                                                    intended to foster the safe and ethical                 NIH grant number(s) if applicable.                    or local public health or environmental
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                                                    conduct of human gene transfer                             In order to maintain public access to              protection agencies, members of other
                                                    experiments. Public review and                          information regarding human gene                      local governmental bodies, or persons
                                                    discussion of a human gene transfer                     transfer (including protocols that are not            active in medical, occupational health,
                                                    experiment (and access to relevant                      publicly reviewed by the RAC), the NIH                or environmental concerns in the
                                                    information) also serves to inform the                  OSP will maintain the documentation                   community). The Institutional Biosafety
                                                    public about the technical aspects of the               described in Appendices M–I through                   Committee shall include at least one
                                                    proposal, the meaning and significance                  M–II. The information provided in                     individual with expertise in plant, plant
                                                    of the research, and any significant                    response to Appendix M should not                     pathogen, or plant pest containment


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2016 / Notices                                              15319

                                                    principles when experiments utilizing                      Section IV–B–2–b–(1). Reviewing                    Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules into
                                                    Appendix P, Physical and Biological                     recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid                 One or More Human Subjects (Points to
                                                    Containment for Recombinant or                          molecule research conducted at or                     Consider), have been appropriately
                                                    Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecule                         sponsored by the institution for                      addressed by the Principal Investigator
                                                    Research Involving Plants, require prior                compliance with the NIH Guidelines as                 prior to its approval.
                                                    approval by the Institutional Biosafety                 specified in Section III, Experiments                    Section IV–B–7–b–(6) will be amended
                                                    Committee. The Institutional Biosafety                  Covered by the NIH Guidelines, and                    as follows:
                                                    Committee shall include at least one                    approving those research projects that                   Section IV–B–7–b–(6). Ensure that all
                                                    scientist with expertise in animal                      are found to conform to the NIH                       aspects of Appendix M have been
                                                    containment principles when                             Guidelines. This review shall include:                appropriately addressed prior to
                                                    experiments utilizing Appendix Q,                       (i) Independent assessment of the                     submission. No research participant
                                                    Physical and Biological Containment for                 containment levels required by the NIH                shall be enrolled (see definition of
                                                    Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid                   Guidelines for the proposed research;                 enrollment in Section I–E–7) in a
                                                    Molecule Research Involving Animals,                    (ii) assessment of the facilities,                    human gene transfer experiment until
                                                    require Institutional Biosafety                         procedures, practices, and training and               the NIH protocol registration process
                                                    Committee prior approval. When the                      expertise of personnel involved in                    has been completed (see Appendix M–
                                                    institution conducts recombinant or                     recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid                 I–B, Selection of Individual Protocols
                                                    synthetic nucleic acid molecule                         molecule research; (iii) ensuring that all            for Public RAC Review and Discussion);
                                                    research at BL3, BL4, or Large Scale                    aspects of Appendix M have been                       IBC approval (from the clinical trial site)
                                                    (greater than 10 liters), a Biological                  appropriately addressed by the                        has been obtained; Institutional Review
                                                    Safety Officer is mandatory and shall be                Principal Investigator (iv) ensuring that             Board (IRB) approval has been obtained;
                                                    a member of the Institutional Biosafety                 no research participant is enrolled (see              and all applicable regulatory
                                                    Committee (see Section IV–B–3,                          definition of enrollment in Section I–E–              authorization(s) have been obtained.
                                                    Biological Safety Officer). When the                    7) in a human gene transfer experiment                   For a clinical trial site that is added
                                                    institution participates in or sponsors                 until the NIH protocol registration                   after completion of the NIH protocol
                                                    recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid                   process has been completed (see                       registration process, no research
                                                    molecule research involving human                       Appendix M–I–B, Selection of                          participant shall be enrolled (see
                                                    research participants, the institution                  Individual Protocols for Public RAC                   definition of enrollment in Section I–E–
                                                    must ensure that: (i) The Institutional                 Review and Discussion), Institutional                 7) at the clinical trial site until the
                                                    Biosafety Committee has adequate                        Biosafety Committee approval (from the                following documentation has been
                                                    expertise and training (using ad hoc                    clinical trial site) has been obtained,               submitted to the NIH OSP: (1) IBC
                                                    consultants as deemed necessary); (ii)                  Institutional Review Board approval has               approval (from the clinical trial site); (2)
                                                    all aspects of Appendix M have been                     been obtained, and all applicable                     IRB approval; (3) IRB-approved
                                                    appropriately addressed by the                          regulatory authorizations have been                   informed consent document; and (4)
                                                    Principal Investigator; (iii) no research               obtained; (v) for human gene transfer                 NIH grant number(s) if applicable.
                                                    participant shall be enrolled (see                      protocols selected for public RAC                        To implement this new process, the
                                                    definition of enrollment in Section I–E–                review and discussion, consideration of               NIH will amend Appendix M, Points to
                                                    7) in a human gene transfer experiment                  the issues raised and recommendations                 Consider in the Design and Submission
                                                    until the NIH protocol registration                     made as a result of this review and                   of Protocols for the Transfer of
                                                    process has been completed (see                         consideration of the Principal                        Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid
                                                    Appendix M–I–B, Selection of                            Investigator’s response to the RAC                    Molecules into One or More Human
                                                    Individual Protocols for Public RAC                     recommendations; (vi) ensuring that                   Research Participants (Points to
                                                    Review and Discussion); and (iv) final                  final IBC approval is granted only after              Consider).
                                                    IBC approval is granted only after the                  the NIH protocol registration process                    Appendix M will be amended as
                                                    NIH protocol registration process has                   has been completed (see Appendix M–                   follows:
                                                    been completed (see Appendix M–I–B,                     I–B, Selection of Individual Protocols                   Appendix M applies to research
                                                    Selection of Individual Protocols for                   for Public RAC Review and Discussion);                conducted at or sponsored by an
                                                    Public RAC Review and Discussion).                      and (vii) ensuring compliance with all                institution that receives any support for
                                                    Institutional Biosafety Committee                       surveillance, data reporting, and adverse             recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid
                                                    approval must be obtained from the                      event reporting requirements set forth in             molecule research from NIH.
                                                    clinical trial site.                                    the NIH Guidelines.                                   Researchers not covered by the NIH
                                                       Note: Individuals, corporations, and                    None of the other sub-sections under               Guidelines are encouraged to use
                                                    institutions not otherwise covered by                   Section IV–B–2–b. Functions of the IBC                Appendix M (see Section I–C, General
                                                    the NIH Guidelines, are encouraged to                   are to be amended.                                    Applicability).
                                                    adhere to the standards and procedures                     Section IV–B–6 will be amended as                     The acceptability of human somatic
                                                    set forth in Sections I through IV (see                 follows:                                              cell gene transfer has been addressed in
                                                    Section IV–D, Voluntary Compliance.                        Section IV–B–6. Human Gene Therapy                 several public documents as well as in
                                                    The policy and procedures for                           Expertise. When the institution                       numerous academic studies. In
                                                    establishing an Institutional Biosafety                 participates in or sponsors recombinant               November 1982, the President’s
                                                    Committee under Voluntary                               or synthetic nucleic acid molecule                    Commission for the Study of Ethical
                                                                                                            research involving human subjects, the                Problems in Medicine and Biomedical
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                                                    Compliance, are specified in Section
                                                    IV–D–2, Institutional Biosafety                         institution must ensure that: (i) The                 and Behavioral Research published a
                                                    Committee Approval).                                    Institutional Biosafety Committee has                 report, Splicing Life, which resulted
                                                       None of the other sub-sections under                 adequate expertise and training (using                from a two-year process of public
                                                    Section IV–B2–a. Membership and                         ad hoc consultants as deemed                          deliberation and hearings. Upon release
                                                    Procedures of the IBC are to be                         necessary) and (ii) all aspects of                    of that report, a U.S. House of
                                                    amended.                                                Appendix M, Points to Consider in the                 Representatives subcommittee held
                                                       Section IV–B–2–b–(1) will be amended                 Design and Submission of Protocols for                three days of public hearings with
                                                    as follows:                                             the Transfer of Recombinant or                        witnesses from a wide range of fields


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                                                    15320                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2016 / Notices

                                                    from the biomedical and social sciences                 submit the relevant information on the                will be included in the material for the
                                                    to theology, philosophy, and law. In                    proposed human gene transfer                          RAC meeting at which the human gene
                                                    December 1984, the Office of                            experiment to the oversight bodies                    transfer trial is scheduled to be
                                                    Technology Assessment released a                        involved in the review at an initial                  discussed. RAC meetings will be open
                                                    background paper, Human Gene                            site(s) and then to the NIH. The format               to the public except where trade secrets
                                                    Therapy, which concluded that civic,                    of the submission is described in                     and proprietary information are
                                                    religious, scientific, and medical groups               Appendix M–I–A, Requirements for                      reviewed (see Section IV–D–5,
                                                    have all accepted, in principle, the                    Protocol Submission. Submission to the                Protection of Proprietary Data—
                                                    appropriateness of gene transfer of                     NIH OSP shall be for registration                     Voluntary Compliance). Information
                                                    somatic cells in humans for specific                    purposes and will ensure continued                    provided in response to Appendix M
                                                    genetic diseases. Somatic cell gene                     public access to relevant human gene                  should not contain any proprietary data
                                                    transfer is seen as an extension of                     transfer information conducted in                     or trade secrets, enabling all aspects of
                                                    present methods that might be                           compliance with the NIH Guidelines.                   the review to be open to the public.
                                                    preferable to other technologies. In light                 Public RAC review and discussion of                   Some but not all sections of Appendix
                                                    of this public support, the NIH is                      a human gene transfer experiment will                 M–I Requirements for Protocol
                                                    prepared to consider proposals for                      be initiated in two exceptional                       Submission, Review, and Reporting—
                                                    somatic cell gene transfer.                             circumstances: (1) Following a request                Human Gene Transfer Experiments will
                                                       The NIH will not at present entertain                for public RAC review from one or more                be amended to decrease the number and
                                                    proposals for germ line alterations but                 oversight bodies involved in the review               amount of supporting documentation
                                                    will consider proposals involving                       at an initial site(s), the NIH concurs that           that must be submitted upon protocol
                                                    somatic cell gene transfer. The purpose                 the submission meets one or more of the               registration, and to modify the timing of
                                                    of somatic cell gene transfer is to treat               following NIH RAC review criteria: (i)                the registration processes. Principal
                                                    an individual patient, e.g., by inserting               The protocol uses a new vector, genetic               Investigators must submit the material
                                                    a properly functioning gene into the                    material, or delivery methodology that                as outlined below to oversight bodies at
                                                    subject’s somatic cells. Germ line                      represents a first-in-human experience,               the proposed clinical trial sites;
                                                    alteration involves a specific attempt to               thus presenting an unknown risk; (ii)                 however, submission of responses to
                                                    introduce genetic changes into the germ                 the protocol relies on preclinical safety             Appendices M–II through M–V or
                                                    (reproductive) cells of an individual,                  data that were obtained using a new                   curriculum vitae will no longer be
                                                    with the aim of changing the set of                     preclinical model system of unknown                   required.
                                                    genes passed on to the individual’s                     and unconfirmed value; or (iii) the                      Appendix M–I–A will be amended as
                                                    offspring.                                              proposed vector, gene construct, or                   follows:
                                                       The NIH continues to explore the                     method of delivery is associated with
                                                    issues raised by the potential of in utero              possible toxicities that are not widely               Appendix M–I–A. Requirements for
                                                    gene transfer clinical research. However,               known and that may render it difficult                Protocol Submission
                                                    the NIH concludes that, at present, it is               for oversight bodies involved in the                     The following documentation must be
                                                    premature to undertake any in utero                     review at an initial site(s) to evaluate the          submitted according to institutional
                                                    gene transfer clinical trial. Significant               protocol rigorously. However, if one or               policy, to the appropriate oversight
                                                    additional preclinical and clinical                     more oversight bodies involved in the
                                                                                                                                                                  bodies involved in the review at an
                                                    studies addressing vector transduction                  review at an initial site(s) requests
                                                                                                                                                                  initial site(s) and subsequently in
                                                    efficacy, biodistribution, and toxicity                 public RAC review, but the NIH does
                                                    are required before a human in utero                                                                          electronic form to the NIH OSP:
                                                                                                            not concur that the submission meets
                                                    gene transfer protocol can proceed. In                                                                           1. A scientific abstract.
                                                                                                            one or more of the RAC review criteria
                                                    addition, a more thorough                               (listed in i, ii, or iii), then the NIH OSP              2. The proposed clinical protocol,
                                                    understanding of the development of                     will inform, within 10 working days, the              including tables, figures, and any
                                                    human organ systems, such as the                        requesting and other oversight bodies                 relevant publications.
                                                    immune and nervous systems, is needed                   involved in the review at an initial                     3. Summary of preclinical studies
                                                    to better define the potential efficacy                 site(s) that public RAC review is not                 conducted in support of the proposed
                                                    and risks of human in utero gene                        warranted. (2) The NIH Director, in                   clinical trial or reference to the specific
                                                    transfer. Prerequisites for considering                 consultation (if needed) with                         section of the protocol providing this
                                                    any specific human in utero gene                        appropriate regulatory authorities,                   information.
                                                    transfer procedure include an                           determines that the submission: (a)                      4. A description of the product:
                                                    understanding of the pathophysiology of                 Meets one or more of the NIH RAC                         a. Describe the derivation of the
                                                    the candidate disease and a                             review criteria (listed in i, ii, or iii) and         delivery vector system including the
                                                    demonstrable advantage to the in utero                  that public RAC review and discussion                 source (e.g., viral, bacterial, or plasmid
                                                    approach. Once the above criteria are                   would provide a clear and obvious                     vector); and modifications (e.g.,
                                                    met, the NIH would be willing to                        benefit to the scientific community or                deletions to attenuate or self-inactivate,
                                                    consider well rationalized human in                     the public; or (b) raises significant                 encapsulation in any synthetic complex,
                                                    utero gene transfer clinical trials.                    scientific, societal, or ethical concerns.            changes to tropisms, etc.). Please
                                                       Research proposals involving the                        If it is determined that a human gene              reference any previous clinical
                                                    deliberate transfer of recombinant or                   transfer trial will undergo public RAC                experience with this vector or similar
                                                    synthetic nucleic acid molecules, or                    review, the NIH will immediately notify               vectors.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    DNA or RNA derived from such nucleic                    the Principal Investigator. RAC                          b. Describe the genetic content of the
                                                    acid molecules, into one or more human                  recommendations following public                      transgene or nucleic acid delivered
                                                    subjects (human gene transfer) will be                  review on a specific human gene                       including the species source of the
                                                    considered through a registration                       transfer experiment shall be forwarded                sequence and whether any
                                                    process involving the NIH, oversight                    to the Principal Investigator, oversight              modifications have been made (e.g.
                                                    bodies involved in the review at an                     bodies involved in the review at an                   mutations, deletions, and truncations).
                                                    initial site(s), and regulatory authorities,            initial site(s), and regulatory authorities,          What are the regulatory elements
                                                    when appropriate. Investigators shall                   as appropriate. Relevant documentation                contained in the construct?


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2016 / Notices                                              15321

                                                       c. Describe any other material to be                 as follows to form a consolidated                     possible toxicities that are not widely
                                                    used in preparation of the agent (vector                Appendix M–1–B:                                       known and that may render it difficult
                                                    and transgene) that will be administered                                                                      for local and federal regulatory bodies to
                                                                                                            Appendix M–1–B. Selection of
                                                    to the human research subject (e.g.,                                                                          evaluate the protocol rigorously, and is
                                                                                                            Individual Protocols for Public RAC
                                                    helper virus, packaging cell line, carrier                                                                    therefore requesting RAC review and
                                                                                                            Review and Discussion
                                                    particles).                                                                                                   public discussion, the Principal
                                                       d. Describe the methods for                             As part of the NIH protocol                        Investigator shall submit the
                                                    replication-competent virus testing, if                 registration process, documentation                   documentation as outlined in Appendix
                                                    applicable.                                             originating from all oversight bodies                 M–I–A at least 8 weeks prior to the next
                                                       e. Describe the intended ex vivo or in               involved in the review at an initial                  scheduled meeting in order to be
                                                    vivo target cells and transduction                      site(s) regarding their assessment of                 reviewed at that RAC meeting. The
                                                    efficiency.                                             whether public RAC review is                          submission shall include
                                                       f. Describe the gene transfer agent                  warranted must accompany the                          documentation originating from
                                                    delivery method.                                        Principal Investigator’s submission to                oversight bodies involved in the review
                                                       5. The proposed informed consent                     the NIH. If no oversight body involved                at an initial site(s) regarding their
                                                    document.                                               in the review at an initial site(s) requests          assessment of whether public RAC
                                                                                                            public RAC review, then the required                  review is warranted and that one or both
                                                       6. Specifically for submission to the
                                                                                                            documentation to register the protocol                have justified their request according
                                                    NIH OSP, the Principal Investigator
                                                                                                            (see Appendix M–I–A) shall be                         the NIH RAC review criteria listed
                                                    shall provide additional documentation
                                                                                                            submitted to the NIH OSP at any time,                 above. The submission shall be
                                                    originating from oversight bodies
                                                                                                            but not less than 10 working days prior               provided to the NIH in electronic form
                                                    involved in the review at an initial
                                                                                                            to the anticipated date of enrollment of              to the Office of Science Policy, National
                                                    site(s) regarding their assessment of
                                                                                                            the first subject (see definition of                  Institutes of Health, 6705 Rockledge
                                                    whether public RAC review is
                                                                                                            enrollment in Section I–E–7). This                    Drive, Suite 750, Bethesda, MD 20892–
                                                    warranted. In the event that review is                  information shall be provided in
                                                    requested, a justification that the NIH                                                                       7985 (20817 for non-USPS mail), 301–
                                                                                                            electronic form to the Office of Science              496–9838, 301–496–9839 (fax), Email:
                                                    RAC review criteria (see Section III–C–                 Policy, National Institutes of Health,
                                                    1) are met shall be included.                                                                                 HGTprotocols@mail.nih.gov. If the NIH
                                                                                                            6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite 750,                      concurs that the submission meets one
                                                       Note: Any application submitted shall                Bethesda, MD 20892–7985 (20817 for
                                                    not contain any document that is                                                                              or more of the following NIH RAC
                                                                                                            non-USPS mail), 301–496–9838, 301–                    review criteria above, the protocol will
                                                    designated as ‘confidential’ in its                     496–9839 (fax), Email: HGTprotocols@                  undergo public RAC review and
                                                    entirety. In the event that a                           mail.nih.gov. An acknowledgement that                 discussion.
                                                    determination has been made that a                      the protocol registration process is                     Even if an oversight body involved in
                                                    specific portion of a document should                   complete will occur within the 10                     the review at an initial site(s) does not
                                                    be considered proprietary or trade                      working days period prior to the                      request public RAC review, the NIH
                                                    secret, each specific portion should be                 anticipated date of enrollment. Final                 Director, after consultation (if needed)
                                                    clearly identified as such. In the event                IBC approval may then be granted.                     with appropriate regulatory authorities,
                                                    that a specific portion of the submission                  If one or more oversight bodies                    may initiate public RAC review if (a) the
                                                    is identified to be proprietary or trade                involved in the review at an initial                  protocol has one or more of the
                                                    secret, the submission to the NIH OSP                   site(s) requests public RAC review, but               characteristics listed above (i, ii, or iii)
                                                    must contain a letter that: (1) Clearly                 the NIH does not concur that the                      and public RAC review and discussion
                                                    indicates what select portions of the                   submission meets one or more of the                   would provide a clear and obvious
                                                    application contain information                         RAC review criteria, the NIH OSP will                 benefit to the scientific community or
                                                    considered as proprietary or trade                      notify the Principal Investigator,                    public; or (b) the protocol otherwise
                                                    secret, and (2) provides justification as               oversight bodies involved in the review               raises significant scientific, societal, or
                                                    to why this information is considered to                at an initial site(s), and regulatory                 ethical concerns. If a protocol is to
                                                    be proprietary or trade secret. The                     authorities, as appropriate, that public              undergo RAC public discussion a
                                                    justification must be able to demonstrate               RAC review is not warranted. An                       complete human gene transfer protocol
                                                    with specificity how release of that                    acknowledgement that the protocol                     package must be submitted at least 8
                                                    information will reveal a trade secret or               registration process is complete will                 weeks before a scheduled RAC meeting
                                                    will result in substantial competitive                  accompany this decision. Final IBC                    to be reviewed at that upcoming
                                                    harm.                                                   approval may then be granted.                         meeting.
                                                       Appendix M–I–B, RAC Review                              If an oversight body involved in the                  After a human gene transfer
                                                    Requirements will be amended to                         review at an initial site(s) determines               experiment is publicly reviewed by the
                                                    change the process and timing of public                 that: (1) A protocol submission would                 full RAC at a regularly scheduled
                                                    RAC review. Currently, investigators are                significantly benefit from public RAC                 meeting, the NIH OSP will send a letter
                                                    informed within 15 working days                         review and discussion and (2) that one                summarizing the RAC’s comments and
                                                    whether or not the protocol requires                    or more of the following NIH RAC                      recommendations (if any) regarding the
                                                    public RAC review. Public discussion of                 review criteria are met: (i) The protocol             protocol to the Principal Investigator(s),
                                                    selected protocols then occurs at the                   uses a new vector, genetic material, or               oversight bodies involved in the review
                                                    next quarterly RAC meeting, which                       delivery methodology that represents a                at an initial site(s), and regulatory
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    occurs, at a minimum of, eight weeks                    first-in-human experience, thus                       authorities as appropriate. Unless the
                                                    after receipt of a complete protocol                    presenting an unknown risk; or (ii) the               NIH determines that there are
                                                    submission. Individual RAC members                      protocol relies on preclinical safety data            exceptional circumstances, the NIH will
                                                    will no longer make a recommendation                    that were obtained using a new                        send this letter to the Principal
                                                    regarding whether a protocol should be                  preclinical model system of unknown                   Investigator within 10 working days
                                                    selected for review at a public meeting.                and unconfirmed value; or (iii) the                   after the completion of the RAC meeting
                                                       Therefore, Appendix M–1–B–1 and                      proposed vector, gene construct, or                   at which the experiment was reviewed.
                                                    Appendix M–1–B–2 are being amended                      method of delivery is associated with                 Receipt of this letter concludes the


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                                                    15322                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2016 / Notices

                                                    protocol registration process. Final IBC                M–V, Special Issues will be deleted in                779–9040 and use Participant Passcode
                                                    approval may then be granted.                           their entirety, except for Appendix M–                5055308 for access to the meeting.
                                                       RAC meetings will be open to the                     III–B–2–b, Long Term Follow-Up which                  Individuals needing special assistance
                                                    public except where trade secrets or                    will be updated to include a reference                should notify the Contact Person listed
                                                    confidential commercial information are                 to FDA’s current guidance on this issue               below in advance of the meeting.
                                                    reviewed. To enable all aspects of the                  and will become Appendix M–II.                          Name of Committee: Advisory Committee
                                                    protocol review process to be open to                      Appendix M–II will be amended as                   to the Director, National Institutes of Health.
                                                    the public, information provided in                     follows:                                                Date: April 21, 2016.
                                                    response to Appendix M–I–A should                                                                               Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT.
                                                                                                            Appendix M–II. Long Term Follow-Up                      Agenda: The HeLa Genome Data Access
                                                    not contain trade secrets or confidential
                                                    commercial or financial information.                       To permit evaluation of long-term safety           working group will report on the evaluation
                                                    Documentation submitted to the NIH                      and efficacy of gene transfer, prospective            of requests to access HeLa cell genome
                                                                                                            subjects should be informed that they are             sequence data. The Clinical Center working
                                                    OSP shall not be designated as                                                                                group will present their final report to the
                                                                                                            expected to cooperate in long-term follow-up
                                                    ‘confidential’ in its entirety. In the event            that extends beyond the active phase of the           Advisory Committee to the Director, NIH.
                                                    that a determination has been made that                 study. A list of persons who can be contacted           Place: National Institutes of Health,
                                                    a specific portion of a document                        in the event that questions arise during the          (Telephone Conference Call), Dial In Number
                                                    submitted should be considered as                       follow-up period should be provided to the            800–779–9040, Participant Passcode:
                                                    proprietary or trade secret, each specific              investigator. In addition, the investigator           5055308.
                                                    portion should be clearly identified as                 should request that subjects continue to                Contact Person: Gretchen Wood, Staff
                                                                                                            provide a current address and telephone               Assistant, National Institutes of Health,
                                                    such. The cover letter (attached to the
                                                                                                            number.                                               Office of the Director, One Center Drive,
                                                    submitted material) shall: (1) Clearly                     The subjects should be informed of any             Building 1, Room 126, Bethesda, MD 20892,
                                                    indicate what select portions contain                   significant findings resulting from the study         Telephone: 301–496–4272, Email: woodgs@
                                                    information considered as proprietary or                will be made known in a timely manner to              od.nih.gov.
                                                    a trade secret; and (2) provide                         them and/or their parent or guardian                    Any interested person may file written
                                                    justification as to why this information                including new information about the
                                                                                                                                                                  comments with the committee by forwarding
                                                    is considered to be proprietary or trade                experimental procedure, the harms and
                                                                                                                                                                  their statement electronically to the Contact
                                                    secret. This justification must be able to              benefits experienced by other individuals
                                                                                                                                                                  Person at woodgs@od.nih.gov. The statement
                                                                                                            involved in the study, and any long-term
                                                    demonstrate with specificity how release                effects that have been observed.
                                                                                                                                                                  should include the name, address, telephone
                                                    of that information will reveal a trade                                                                       number and when applicable, the business or
                                                                                                               Additional guidance is available in the
                                                    secret or will result in substantial                                                                          professional affiliation of the interested of the
                                                                                                            FDA Guidance for Industry: Gene Therapy
                                                    competitive harm.                                                                                             interested person.
                                                                                                            Clinical Trials—Observing Subjects for
                                                       Appendix M–I–C–2 currently states:                                                                           Additional information for this meeting
                                                                                                            Delayed Adverse Events (available at the
                                                                                                                                                                  including both working group reports will be
                                                                                                            following URL: http://www.fda.gov/
                                                    Appendix M–I–C–2. Additional Clinical                                                                         posted, when available, on the Advisory
                                                                                                            BiologicsBloodVaccines/
                                                    Trial Sites                                                                                                   Committee to the Director, NIH, Web site
                                                                                                            GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/
                                                                                                                                                                  (http://acd.od.nih.gov). Additional
                                                      No research participant shall be enrolled             Guidances/CellularandGeneTherapy/
                                                                                                                                                                  information about the HeLA Genome Data
                                                    (see definition of enrollment in Section I–E–           default.htm).
                                                                                                                                                                  Access working group is available at http://
                                                    7) at a clinical trial site until the following         Appendix M–VI Footnotes of Appendix                   acd.od.nih.gov/hlgda.htm and additional
                                                    documentation has been submitted to NIH                 M will be renumbered to Appendix M–                   information about the Clinical Center
                                                    OBA: (1) Institutional Biosafety Committee              III. Footnotes of Appendix M. There will              working group is available at http://
                                                    approval (from the clinical trial site); (2)                                                                  acd.od.nih.gov/redteam.htm.
                                                                                                            be no amendment to the language.
                                                    Institutional Review Board approval; (3)
                                                    Institutional Review Board-approved                       Dated: March 15, 2016.                                Dated: March 15, 2016.
                                                    informed consent document; (4) curriculum               Francis S. Collins,                                   Anna Snouffer,
                                                    vitae of the Principal Investigator(s) (no more         Director, National Institutes of Health.              Deputy Director, Office of Federal Advisory
                                                    than two pages in biographical sketch                                                                         Committee Policy.
                                                                                                            [FR Doc. 2016–06448 Filed 3–21–16; 8:45 am]
                                                    format); and (5) NIH grant number(s) if
                                                    applicable.                                             BILLING CODE 4140–01–P                                [FR Doc. 2016–06333 Filed 3–21–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                                  BILLING CODE 4140–01–P
                                                    Appendix M–1–C–2 will be amended as
                                                    follows:                                                DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                    Appendix M–I–C–2. Additional Clinical                   HUMAN SERVICES                                        DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                    Trial Sites                                                                                                   HUMAN SERVICES
                                                                                                            National Institutes of Health
                                                      Within 30 days of enrollment (see                                                                           National Institutes of Health
                                                    definition of enrollment in Section I–E–7) at           Office of the Director, National
                                                    a clinical trial site, the following                    Institutes of Health Notice of Meeting                Center for Scientific Review, Notice of
                                                    documentation shall be submitted to NIH                                                                       Closed Meetings
                                                    OSP: (1) Institutional Biosafety Committee                 Pursuant to section 10(a) of the
                                                    approval (from the clinical trial site); (2)            Federal Advisory Committee Act, as                      Pursuant to section 10(d) of the
                                                    Institutional Review Board approval; (3)                amended (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is                    Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
                                                    Institutional Review Board-approved                     hereby given of a meeting of the                      amended (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is
                                                    informed consent document; and (4) NIH                  Advisory Committee to the Director,                   hereby given of the following meetings.
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                                                    grant number(s) if applicable.                          National Institutes of Health.                          The meetings will be closed to the
                                                    There are no amendments to Appendix                        This meeting is open to the public but             public in accordance with the
                                                    M–I–D, Safety Assessments in Human                      is being held by teleconference only. No              provisions set forth in sections
                                                    Gene Transfer Research.                                 physical meeting location is provided                 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), title 5 U.S.C.,
                                                       The current appendices Appendix M–                   for any interested individuals to listen              as amended. The grant applications and
                                                    II, Description of the Proposal;                        to and/or participate in the meeting.                 the discussions could disclose
                                                    Appendix M–III, Informed Consent;                       Any individual interested in listening to             confidential trade secrets or commercial
                                                    Appendix M–IV, Privacy; and Appendix                    the meeting discussions must call 800–                property such as patentable material,


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Document Created: 2018-02-02 15:15:28
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 15:15:28
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of changes to the NIH Guidelines.
DatesChanges outlined in this notice will be effective April 27, 2016, to coincide with the RAC review cycle and to allow institutions and investigators to establish processes for implementing the new review procedures.
ContactIf you have questions, or require additional background information about these changes, please contact the NIH by email at [email protected], by telephone at 301-496- 9838, by fax at 301-496-9839, or by mail to the Office of Science Policy, National Institutes of Health, 6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite 750, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7985.
FR Citation81 FR 15315 

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