What is the primary purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

The primary purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to protect the rights and welfare of research participants. This is a critical function in the realm of clinical research, where the safety and ethical treatment of individuals involved in studies must be paramount. An IRB's responsibilities include reviewing research proposals to ensure that any potential risks to participants are minimized and that the benefits of the research outweigh those risks.

By ensuring that informed consent is obtained and that participants are fully aware of their involvement in the research, the IRB plays a vital role in fostering ethical research practices. Additionally, the IRB monitors ongoing studies to ensure compliance with ethical standards throughout the research process.

In contrast, increasing funding for clinical trials or determining the effectiveness of new drugs falls outside the IRB's main focus. Conducting clinical trials independently is also not a role of the IRB; instead, the IRB's mandate is centered around oversight and protection rather than execution of the research. Thus, the emphasis on participant welfare and ethical considerations firmly establishes the IRB's primary purpose.