IRAS updated to include EudraCT data export
function
6th May 2008
From today, researchers using the Integrated
Research Application System (IRAS) can export data into the EudraCT
format required for applications to the Medicines and Healthcare
Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Researchers can now make applications to MHRA
Medicines using a simple mechanism to export data into the format
required by EudraCT. Applicants can enter information into IRAS and
create an application form and .xml file to send to the MHRA on
disk. Alternatively, the data can be imported from the EudraCT
application form into IRAS. This first stage covers data on the
Investigational Medicinal Products. The remaining data fields will
be added in Summer 2008.
IRAS was launched for use by UK researchers in
January 2008. The system streamlines the process for gaining
permissions and approvals to conduct health and social care
research, making it less cumbersome and time-consuming. Using IRAS,
researchers only have to enter the information for the relevant
permissions and approvals once, instead of having to complete
several separate application forms for each review body.
IRAS and accompanying guidance on its use can
be accessed directly at http://www.myresearchproject.org.uk/.
IRAS is currently available for
consultation-in-use. While use of IRAS is not mandatory,
researchers are encouraged to take advantage of the increased
functionality and benefits offered by this integrated system.
Therefore, researchers are being strongly encouraged to begin new
applications in IRAS. Data cannot be transferred from the old
ethics online application form to IRAS.
To date, user feedback on IRAS has been extremely positive.
Continued feedback is vital as it will be
used to further improve IRAS before it fully replaces other
systems.
Further information
about IRAS