Clinical Trial Agreement

Draft a protocol-specific CTA governing study conduct, compliance, data rights, payments, and risk allocation.

Quick Start

Gather before drafting:

Final or near-final protocol (number, version, phase, endpoints, schedule of events)
Investigator Brochure or device manual with current safety profile
Draft budget with FMV rationale and payment schedule
Site policies on contracting, IP, publication, and indemnification
Regulatory status: IND/IDE holder, IRB process, DSMB plan if any

Intake

Complete and confirm all fields before drafting.

| Field | Req | Notes | |---|---|---| | Sponsor name/address | Y | Include parent or funding affiliate | | Institution name/address | Y | Include hospital/academic entity | | Principal Investigator | Y | Note if individual signature needed | | Protocol title/number/version | Y | Attach as Exhibit A | | Phase and design | Y | Randomized, blinded, placebo, etc. | | Site enrollment target | Y | Min, max, or good-faith estimate | | IND/IDE holder and number | Y | Sponsor vs institution | | Investigational product | Y | Drug/device/biologic and comparators | | Central lab and vendors | If appl. | Include data flows | | Privacy model | Y | HIPAA auth vs waiver; de-ID plan | | Insurance limits | Y | Sponsor and institution coverage | | Publication plan | Y | Single-site vs multicenter | | Governing law/venue | Y | State selection | | Compensation model | Y | Per-subject, milestone, hybrid | | Closeout and retention | Y | Record retention period |

Agreement Sections

| Section | Required Content | |---|---| | Parties and Recitals | All parties; protocol reference; regulatory framework | | Definitions | Study, Protocol, Investigational Product, AE/SAE (21 CFR 312.32), GCP, Study Data, Confidential Information | | Study Conduct | Protocol incorporation; amendment process; investigator independence; facilities/staffing | | Sponsor Obligations | Product supply; training; monitoring; regulatory submissions; safety updates | | Site/Investigator Obligations | IRB approval; informed consent (21 CFR 50.27); records; protocol adherence; safety reporting | | Data and Records | Source data access; CRF completion; retention period | | Budget and Payment | FMV structure; invoicing; screen failures; early withdrawals; withholding rights | | Confidentiality and Privacy | Exceptions; HIPAA (45 CFR Parts 160, 164); de-identification | | IP and Publications | Data/invention ownership; review windows; multicenter restrictions | | Indemnification and Insurance | Mutual indemnity; product liability; limits; additional insureds | | Term and Termination | For cause/convenience; subject safety; wind-down; survival | | Dispute Resolution | Negotiation → mediation → arbitration/courts; injunctive relief | | Admin | Notices, assignment, amendment, severability, independent contractor |

Compliance Checklist

[ ] IRB approval before study start and for amendments
[ ] Informed consent meets 21 CFR Part 50
[ ] IRB requirements per 21 CFR Part 56
[ ] IND/IDE responsibilities per 21 CFR Part 312
[ ] SAE reporting timelines defined; sponsor notification within 24 hours
[ ] GCP reference to ICH E6(R2)
[ ] Record retention ≥ 2 years after FDA approval or discontinuation
[ ] HIPAA minimum necessary disclosure
[ ] Conflict disclosure and exclusion/debarment status
[ ] Anti-kickback and Stark Law compliance for compensation

Risk Tailoring

[ ] High-risk product → higher insurance limits + enhanced safety monitoring
[ ] Vulnerable populations → explicit consent safeguards
[ ] Invasive procedures → explicit injury and compensation language

Exhibits

A: Protocol
B: Budget and payment schedule
C: Schedule of events/procedures (if separate)

Pitfalls

Use exact protocol identifiers and dates — do not paraphrase protocol constraints.
Define AE/SAE per 21 CFR 312.32. Mark [VERIFY] if deviating.
Never promise sponsor control over investigator medical judgment.
Keep publication review windows time-bounded (30–60 days).
Compensation must be FMV, not tied to outcomes or referrals.
If state law mandates clinical trial injury coverage, add state-specific language. [VERIFY] if unsure.
Preserve subject safety obligations post-termination (follow-up and reporting).