Which body must review and approve a study before it begins?

• A. The sponsor's marketing team
• B. Independent panel
• C. Research participants
• D. Journal editors

Answer: (B)

Before any study involving people begins, an independent ethics review body evaluates the research protocol to protect participants. This review checks that risks are minimized, potential benefits justify any risks, and that informed consent will be obtained and respected. It also examines confidentiality protections, fair subject selection, and plans for monitoring and stopping rules. Because this panel operates independently from the sponsor and researchers, it provides an objective assessment focused on participants’ welfare.

The sponsor’s marketing team isn’t tasked with ethical oversight and could have conflicts of interest. Research participants themselves don’t review and approve the study; their role is to consent and participate. Journal editors review and assess studies for publication after the research is completed, not to approve the study before it begins. Therefore, the body that must review and approve the study before it begins is the independent ethics review panel.