LupusTrials.org A group of scientists, doctors, clergy, and patient advocates that reviews and approves the detailed plan for a clinical trial. IRBs are meant to protect the individuals who take part in a clinical trial. They make sure that the trial is well designed, legal, ethical, does not involve unneeded risks, and includes a safety plan for patients. There is an IRB at every health care facility that does clinical research, and every trial is reviewed by an IRB before the trial begins.
Source: NCI