An Independent Ethics Committee (IEC) is an ethics review body that evaluates clinical research to protect participant rights, safety, and well-being, often serving a role similar to a U.S. IRB.
IECs review protocols, informed consent materials, recruitment methods, and safety information before allowing a study to begin in many countries. They also review amendments, safety updates, and continuing oversight materials throughout trial conduct. IEC decisions influence whether a study’s risk controls and consent approach meet local ethical and regulatory expectations. IEC oversight is essential for multinational trials that require ethics approval across participating regions.