When must the investigator update the IRB regarding the trial's progress?

The investigator is required to update the Institutional Review Board (IRB) whenever there is a significant issue or update regarding the trial's progress to ensure ongoing ethical oversight and participant safety. This can include adverse events, changes to the study protocol, recruitment progress, and any other relevant information that may impact the study's integrity or the welfare of participants. Keeping the IRB informed allows for timely interventions and necessary actions that could be crucial for the continuation of the research study.

While updating at the study's conclusion or at set intervals could seem practical, these approaches do not allow for real-time oversight of significant developments that could arise during the course of the trial. Ensuring the IRB is aware of important updates helps maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and fosters transparency in the research process.