[Conducting specified clinical trials under the Japanese clinical trials act].

Two years have passed since the Clinical Trials Act came into effect in April 2018. There were a series of research misconducts behind the legislation, and the Clinical Trials Act was enacted to ensure confidence in clinical trials conducted in Japan. The term "specified clinical trials" refers to clinical trials conducted using pharmaceuticals or medical devices, approval for which has not been obtained, or clinical trials conducted receiving research funds or other benefits provided by a manufacturer with marketing approval for pharmaceuticals or medical devices. The key elements in conducting specified clinical trials are as follows: (1) compliance with clinical trial standards, (2) approval by the certified review board, (3) submission of the trial plan to the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare, and (4) entering into an agreement with a manufacturer providing research funds. This manuscript overviews the Clinical Trials Act and the conduct of specified clinical trials by reviewing the key issues behind the legislation.