In a Non-Significant Risk device clinical trial, which of the following is NOT required before starting the trial?

In a Non-Significant Risk (NSR) device clinical trial, the submission of the trial protocol to the FDA for approval is not a requirement before starting the trial. This is due to the nature of NSR studies, which are considered to pose a lesser risk to participants compared to Significant Risk studies.

Informed consent from trial participants is essential in all clinical trials to ensure participants are fully aware of the risks and benefits associated with their participation. Additionally, approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is required to ensure that the study meets ethical standards and that participants are adequately protected. Financial disclosure by investigators is also mandatory to promote transparency and mitigate conflicts of interest, ensuring the integrity of the study. Since NSR trials do not necessitate prior FDA approval of the protocol, this step can be omitted for such studies, leading to the conclusion that it is the only option not required before initiating the trial.