COVID-19 Related Studies
All COVID-19 related studies must be reviewed by the COVID-19 Protocol Review Committee.
BioMe® Biobank Steering Committee
What
All BioMe Biobank specimen or data requests, or requests for BioMe’s recall services for prospective, IRB-approved research studies, must be approved by the BioMe Biobank Steering Committee.
When
The BioMe Biobank Steering Committee’s review is concurrent with the IRB review but can initiate with a protocol review prior to the Investigator’s submission in RUTH. During the RUTH submission, all projects planning to use the BioMe Biobank resource will be prompted to complete an Ancillary Review Form in RUTH. Once completed and submitted in RUTH, the BioMe Biobank review is officially assigned.
How
The research team will be required to complete the Ancillary Review Form in RUTH and, based on the response provided on the form, the research team may need to assign review via the Manage Ancillary Review tab in RUTH. A copy of the completed Ancillary Review Form must be included in the IRB/RUTH submission. Investigators will receive notification of approval via email communication from the BioMe Biobank and/or through RUTH. Investigators can email BioMeBiobank@mssm.edu with questions. Protocols are submitted through email, and there is a communication exchange via email with the study team. The Steering Committee meets every two weeks but can meet ad hoc, per the BioMe protocol. No separate application needs to be completed. RUTH captures the required review by the Steering Committee.
Study teams may reach out to BioMe with questions.
Cancer Related Research – Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee (PRMC)
What
All cancer related studies that require the consent of subjects must be reviewed and approved by the Tisch Cancer Institute’s Disease Focus Groups (DFG) and the Protocol Review and Monitoring System (PRMS).
Cancer Related Research is defined as research that has cancer endpoints or has a cancer population as part of or all of its targeted population. This includes protocols studying patients with cancer or those at risk for cancer.
When
Protocols must be reviewed and approved by the DFG & PRMC prior to the IRB submission. Note, all protocols must be first reviewed by the applicable Disease Focus Group (DFG) prior to PRMC review.
Interventional investigator initiated protocols will require review by the Biostatistics Design Workshop (BDW) prior to submission to the DFG.
How
For detailed guidance on the DFG & PRMC application and review process, see the Protocol Review and Monitoring System webpage.
Clinical Research Unit (CRU)
Resources
The CRU provides infrastructure to perform clinical and translational research studies including:
- Outpatient Space
- Nursing Support
- Specimen Processing
- Walk-in Phlebotomy
- Pre-procedure COVID testing (for research studies only)
Data Use Committee
What
The Data Use Committee reviews agreements related to data derived from humans (identified or de-identified data) that will be used by/disclosed to an external party, and agreements that allow a commercial party to utilize Mount Sinai data.
Examples of data disclosures that must be approved by the Data Use Committee include:
- Private information regarding patients or employees
- Data generated from human research (disclosures to federal funding agencies is managed by PPHS)
- Data from pharmacy records
- Claims data
- Patient data released to registries
The Data Use Committee is also available to provide guidance on new project ideas so that project sponsors can consider how Mount Sinai’s policy may impact future projects.
For more information, refer to Data Use Committee – FAQ and the MSHS Combined Data Use Policy.
How
Mount Sinai Innovation Partners (MSIP) and/or the Office of General Counsel reviews all agreements with data-related terms and confirms that approval by the Data Use Committee is needed. Agreements can be sent to MSIP directly by the project sponsor, or may be sent to MSIP by other department reviewing an agreement (e.g. FACTS, GCO, etc).
To submit an agreement to MSIP, use the MSIP Agreement Portal. For detailed guidance, refer to Data Use Committee – FAQ.
After submission, MSIP Contracts and/or the Office of General Counsel will notify you if Data Use Committee approval is needed.
When
Approval by the Data Use Committee is required prior to sharing any Mount Sinai data, derived from humans, with an external party. The agreement with the external party must be finalized and signed by both parties before Mount Sinai data can be disclosed. MSIP and/or the Office of General Counsel will confirm when the agreement is fully executed.
Questions
- For questions regarding identifying optimal digital resources and solutions at Mount Sinai and beyond for research projects, contact Irena Parvanova, at Irena.Parvanova@mountsinai.org.
- For questions regarding Mount Sinai Innovation Partners, contact MSIPinfo@mssm.edu.
- For questions regarding Data Use Committee operations, contact Joy.Dicker@mssm.edu.
Resources
Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee (ESCRO)
What
The Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO) committee provides oversight of all issues related to derivation and use of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines and facilitates the education of investigators involved in hESC research. Review is required when research involves:
- Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)
- In vitro culture of any intact human embryo
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (IPS )
- Non-embyronic stem cells, including adult stem cells, fetal stem cells, placental stem cells and umbilical cord stem cells
When
ESCRO authorization is required prior to initiating work with hESCs. Refer to the ESCRO Application Form for guidance on when to submit proposals to the ESCRO Office.
How
Principal Investigators are required to complete and submit the ESCRO Application Authorization Form.
Questions
Contact the ESCRO Office at escro@mssm.edu.
Financial Administration of Clinical Trials Services (FACTS)
What
The Financial Administration of Clinical Trials Services (FACTS) office conducts a research billing compliance review of research applications to determine if a clinical trial requires a Medicare Coverage Analysis (MCA). A MCA is required for trials in which tests, procedures and interventions will be billed to patients or third-party payers.
When
The study team is responsible for assigning FACTS review during IRB/RUTH submission. Alternatively, study teams may opt to initiate the MCA review process prior to IRB submission.
How
The electronic IRB application (RUTH) requires the research team to indicate if study protocol required services will be billed to patients or third-party payers. The FACTS office reviews research applications submitted in RUTH to identify studies that require a Medicare Coverage Analysis (MCA). If a MCA is necessary the investigator will be notified and FACTS will coordinate the process of having BRANY complete the MCA.
In-Patient Nursing Resources
What
Clinical Trials requiring nursing services on impatient units require review and approval from the Nursing Executive Committee (NEC) prior to implementation of a study.
When
Inpatient Feasibility Forms should be submitted to the Nursing Executive Committee as soon as possible in the planning process. Submissions are required prior to IRB approval. The Nurse Executive Committee (NEC) will review submitted forms within 1 week of submission.
How
Completed Inpatient Therapeutic Trial Nursing Feasibility Forms should be emailed to Kavita Rampertaap.
Questions
Contact Kavita Rampertaap.
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
What
Review is required when research involves the use of the following materials:
- 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 (For reference, please see Section III-C of the NIH Guidelines: https://osp.od.nih.gov/biotechnology/nih-guidelines/.
- Examples include the use of viral vectors and plasmids (in vivo or ex vivo).
- Cellular Therapy
- Autologous Cells
- Monoclonal Antibodies (mAb)
When
Review of the initial application by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) review is concurrent with IRB review. An IBC application (IBC Risk Assessment Form) should be submitted prior to, or simultaneous with, initial submission to the IRB. The form and additional information is available on the Institutional Biosafety Committee website.
How
The study team is responsible for completing the Ancillary Review Form in RUTH and assigning ancillary review to IBC via the Manage Ancillary Review tab. A PDF copy of the REDCap Ancillary Review Form must be included with the IRB/RUTH submission. The study team will be prompted to either submit the IBC application (IBC Risk Assessment form), or if an application has already been submitted to upload the IBC approval letter in RUTH and provide the IBC protocol number for reference. Investigators will receive notification of approval via email communication with the IBC.
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
What
The ISMMS Institutional Review Board (IRB) is responsible for assessing and approving all* research conducted in human subjects at the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS).
*All research includes:
- More than minimal risk studies
- No more than minimal risk (expedited) studies
- Requests for IRB exemptions
- Requests to rely on an external IRB
- For more information, refer to “Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai IRBs and External IRBs“.
- Non-human subject research determinations
- Note: Only the IRB can determine if your research is Non-human subject research.
- For more information refer to HRP-309 Worksheet.
How
All new ISMMS IRB applications for human subject research must be made by creating a new protocol through the RUTH electronic submission system. Click here for guidance.
When
IRB approval is required prior to beginning human subject research.
Investigational Drug Services (IDS)
What
All Investigational agents used at the Mount Sinai Medical Center must be approved by the Investigational Drug Services (IDS) within the Department of Pharmacy. Review is required for research involving the use of drugs or biologics including:
- Drugs and/or biologics that are not part of standard practice (including FDA approved drugs/biologics when given in a way that differs from standard practice)
- Controlled substances
- Drugs and/or biologics supplied by the research sponsor or purchased with study funds
When
The Investigational Drug Service review is concurrent with the IRB review. During the RUTH submission, all trials using an investigational drug should be prompted to complete an Ancillary Review Form in RUTH. Once completed and submitted in RUTH the Investigational Drug Services (IDS) review is assigned.
In addition to reviewing our web page, the study teams may contact the IDS directly (IDSAnnenberg@mountsinai.org) to inquire about any study specific questions.
How
The research team will be required to complete the Ancillary Review Form in RUTH and based on the response provided on the form, the research team may need to assign IDS review via the Manage Ancillary Review tab in RUTH. A copy of the completed Ancillary Review Form must be included in the IRB/RUTH submission. Investigators will receive notification of approval via email communication with the IDS and/or through RUTH.
In addition to reviewing our web page, the study teams may contact the IDS directly (IDSAnnenberg@mountsinai.org) to inquire about any study specific questions.
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
What
All projects that involve software development or utilization of third-party information technology and/or software require a third-party cybersecurity risk assessment.
How
A third-party cybersecurity risk assessment is conducted during the IRB/RUTH submission. Research teams will be required to complete an Ancillary Office Survey Form in REDCap and will be prompted to answer a series of cybersecurity questions. Based on the responses, research teams may be required to submit a request for a cybersecurity assessment via Mount Sinai’s OneTrust Portal, at https://mountsinai.my.onetrust.com/welcome or click on the icon in the App Launcher. 
The Cybersecurity Assessment team will review the request and communicate with the research team via the OneTrust Portal for follow-up questions. The average time to complete a risk assessment ranges from 2 to 6 weeks. The default prioritization is first in, first out. However, grants/funding deadlines will be considered and prioritized accordingly.
For assessment-related inquiries, email CyberRiskAssessment@mountsinai.org.
For additional access and workflow details, click here.
Laser Safety Committee
What
Review is required when research involves the use of lasers.
When
The Laser Safety Committee (LSC) review is concurrent with IRB review.
How
If the research involves use of lasers, the IRB will route your application to the Laser Safety Committee (LSC) for review. The outcome of the safety review will be reflected in your IRB communications.
Radiation Safety Committee
What
Review is required when research involves ionizing radiation for imaging or therapy, including:
- X-ray
- Fluoroscopy
- CT scans
- Nuclear medicine tests
- PET
- Radiation therapy
When
The Radiation Safety Committee review is concurrent with the IRB review.
How
The study team is responsible for completing the Ancillary Review Form in RUTH where they will be prompted to answer questions regarding the radiological procedures involved in the study. Based on the responses, the team may be required to assign ancillary review to the Radiation Safety Committee via the Manage Ancillary Review tab. In addition, the study team will be required to complete and submit a Dosimetry form, and include the radiation risk language generated after completion of the Dosimetry form, to their consent form. A link to the Dosimetry form will become available based on the answer to imaging questions (if you answer “Yes” to use of ionizing radiation due to research). The Dosimetry form is also available on the Radiation Safety website.
A PDF copy of the REDCap Ancillary Review Form and Dosimetry form must be included with the IRB/RUTH submission. Investigators will receive notification of approval via email communication with the Radiation Safety Committee and/or through RUTH.
Resources
Transfusion Medicine, Apheresis and Cellular Therapy
What
Studies that require use of data, collection and/or transfusion of blood derived products must be reviewed by the Transfusion Medicine and Apheresis Services. Studies that require use of data, collection, processing, storage and/or infusion of cell-based investigational therapies (i.e. living cells/tissue) must be reviewed by the Apheresis and Cellular Therapy Services.
When
Transfusion Medicine, Apheresis and Cellular Therapy review is assigned through the IRB/RUTH submission system. Feasibility assessment for clinical studies involving cellular therapy products may be needed before IRB submission. Comment: We have a one sheet guidelines that could be provided as link.
How
Consultations of the Transfusion Medicine, Apheresis and Cellular Therapy are encouraged prior to IRB/RUTH submission. The research team will be required to complete the Ancillary Review Form in RUTH and assign Transfusion Medicine, Apheresis and/or Cellular Therapy review via the Manage Ancillary Review tab. A copy of the completed Ancillary Review Form must be included in the IRB/RUTH submission. Investigators will communicate with the assigned Ancillary Services and receive notification of approval via email through RUTH.
Department or Institute Specific
BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute (BMEII)
Resources
BMEII provides biomedical imaging support for basic and clinical research, including:
- Human Imaging (MRI, MR/PET, CT)
- Human Mock MRI
- Human and Animal Imaging Peripherals
- Human and Animal Anesthesia and Monitoring
- Large Animal Imaging (MRI, MR/PET)
- Small Animal MRI
- Small Animal PET/CT
- Small Animal Optical Imaging (Fluorescence, Bioluminescence, Near-infrared)
- Staff-Assisted Imaging
- Imaging Processing and Data Analysis
- Training
- Consultations
Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine
What
Faculty and trainees in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine who are interested in initiating or participating in a research study must receive approval from the Vice Chair for Research.
When
Industry Sponsored Clinical Trials – Approval from the Vice Chair for Research is required prior to IRB submission and is recommended during study design for Industry Sponsored Trials and Investigator Initiated Projects.
How
Contact Jim Leader or call (212) 824-5468.
Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences
What
All PI- initiated clinical research (funded), grant proposals, and Industry-sponsored projects conducted in the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences requesting Genetics Clinical Trial Office services must receive prior approval.
When
Industry Initiated Studies – The Principal Investigator should contact the Genetics Clinical Trial Office prior to initiating a CDA. The Genetics CTO will assist with CDA negotiation, study feasibility, and subsequent start-up activities.
Investigator Initiated Studies – The Principal Investigator should contact the Genetics Clinical Trial Office during protocol development. The Genetics CTO can assist with protocol design, budget development, regulatory support and implementation.
How
Contact Karli Hedstrom or Hetanshi Naik, PhD, Director of the Genetics Clinical Trial Office.
Department of Medicine – Protocol Review Committee (PRC)
What
All clinical studies conducted in the Department of Medicine under the auspices of the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) must be reviewed and evaluated by the Department of Medicine Protocol Review Committee (PRC). PRC review assesses the protocol to ensure the trial is safe, scientifically sound and has a high probability of meeting enrollment goals. Ongoing studies will be monitored for protocol accrual.
When
All protocols must be reviewed and approved by the PRC prior to IRB submission. The IRB review process will not take place without a written notification from the PRC that the protocol has been reviewed and approved.
How
The Principal Investigator will collaborate with the CTO Administrative Director, Michele Cohen, and submit the following documents via email.
- Final Protocol (After FDA Review, if applicable)
- Budget
For more information, refer to PRC Policies and Procedures.
Questions
Contact the CTO Administrator Director, Michele Cohen or call (212) 241-7734.
Department of Neurosurgery
What
All PI-initiated clinical research (funded and non-funded), grant proposals and Industry-sponsored projects conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery must obtain approval from the Neurosurgery Clinical Research Feasibility Committee. The Committee evaluates study protocols to ensure they are of scientific merit, have appropriate statistical methods, realistic recruitment strategies, achievable enrollment goals and the budget recovers the cost of time, effort and any resource utilized to conduct the clinical research.
How
The PI is instructed to contact the Clinical Research Manager, Sukaina Davdani, to obtain the Neurosurgery Pre-Review Study Summary Form, which is required for submission, and the following study documents:
- Study Protocol or Protocol Template
- Informed Consent (If Applicable)
- Contract (If Applicable)
- FDA Letter (If Applicable)
- Sponsor Budget and/or MSSM Budget (If Applicable)
Submission packages must be must be submitted to at a minimum of two weeks prior to the monthly committee meeting. The study is then added to the committee’s agenda and then further reviewed by the committee.
When
Approval from the Neurosurgery Clinical Research Feasibility Committee is required prior to IRB submission and contract negotiation for new studies. For continuing studies, a yearly review is also required to be submitted for approval.
Questions
Contact the Clinical Research Manager, Sukaina Davdani.