What is one core protection provided by IRB oversight?

• A. Protects the rights, safety and well-being of all study subjects
• B. Ensures sponsor profits
• C. Determines the cost of the trial
• D. Forces patient enrollment

Answer: (A)

IRB oversight centers on safeguarding the people who participate in research by protecting their rights, safety, and well-being. The board reviews the study to ensure risks are minimized, benefits justify those risks, and the consent process is clear and voluntary. It also checks that privacy and confidentiality are maintained and that subject selection is fair, with extra protections for vulnerable groups. This focuses on the participant’s welfare throughout the research, from initial approval through ongoing monitoring.

Other functions like ensuring sponsor profits, determining trial costs, or forcing patient enrollment aren’t part of the IRB’s role. The IRB doesn’t set budgets or compel participation; it ensures that participation is voluntary and ethically conducted.