Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH)?

1. Enhance patient engagement

2. Minimize the need for redundant research

3. Increase funding for clinical trials

4. Standardize clinical trial terminology

The correct answer is: Minimize the need for redundant research

The primary purpose of the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) is to minimize the need for redundant research. This is achieved by promoting the harmonization of regulatory requirements and guidelines across different regions, which enhances efficiency in the development of pharmaceuticals and reduces the duplication of studies that could occur when different regulatory bodies have disparate requirements. The ICH seeks to streamline the process, thereby facilitating the swift availability of new and innovative therapies to patients worldwide while ensuring rigorous standards for quality, safety, and efficacy are maintained. By minimizing redundant research, the ICH also helps to optimize resource allocation, encourages the sharing of data, and improves the overall efficacy of the research and development process in the pharmaceutical industry. This leads to shorter development timelines and potentially lower costs for bringing new treatments to market, benefiting both the industry and patients who are waiting for new treatment options.