Clinical Trials Protocol Template

Applicants conducting phase 2 or 3 clinical trials that require Investigational New Drug applications (IND) or Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) applications can use a NIH-FDA template with instructional and sample text to help write protocols. Use of this template is optional.

Purpose

To facilitate the development of clinical trial protocols that require a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational New Drug (IND) or Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) Application, the NIH and FDA collaboratively developed a Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial Protocol Template and an electronic protocol-writing tool to help investigators think through the scientific basis of their assumptions, minimize uncertainty in the interpretation of outcomes, and prevent loss of data.

Policy Guidelines & Implementation

The tool provides a suggested format for phase 2 and 3 clinical trials funded by NIH that are being conducted under an FDA IND or IDE Application.

A common protocol structure and organization facilitates protocol review by oversight entities.

Note that the use of the tool is voluntary and is not required for NIH applications or contract proposals.

Notices