University of Colorado Denver

COMIRB will conduct a continuing review of ongoing Full Board and Expedited research studies at intervals that are appropriate to the level of risk for each research protocol, generally once per year. Continuing review must occur as long as the research remains active for long-term follow-up of participants, even when the research is permanently closed to the enrollment of new participants and all participants have completed all research-related interventions. Continuing review of research must occur even when the remaining research activities are limited to the analysis of private identifiable information. 

Failure to meet a continuing review deadline will result in immediate suspension of all study activities. Continuing review packets must be submitted 45 days prior to their deadline. Research may not continue past its expiration date until the investigator has received documentation of COMIRB approval. If the research involves the VA, research may not continue past its expiration date until it is approved by COMIRB and then the VA R&D Committee.

If there is an overriding ethical reason why research activities must continue, even though the study has expired (i.e. subjects are taking a study drug), please contact the Dr. Warren Capell, the COMIRB Director, at 303-724-1055. Click here​ for additional guidance for continuing reviews.

Please refer to the following instructions for submitting a continuing review.

1. Complete the Continuing Review Form.

2. Compile all supporting documents relevant to your study. A list of possible supporting documents can be found at the following link. The second page of the list contains specific instructions on how to submit an Amendment with your continuing review. Click here.

3. Current fees are posted on the COMIRB website. Requests for a fee waiver or reduction must be accompanied by the Fee Waiver Form. Current fees are posted here. Requests for a fee waiver or reduction must be accompanied by the Fee Waiver Form. There is currently no fee for Expedited continuing reviews.

4. Submit the materials to COMIRB. Please note that if your protocol was originally submitted for Full Board review, but has since been moved to Expedited review, your ability to submit via ePaper depends upon  the Panel you’re originally submitted to (i.e. where your protocol "lives"). Please click here​ for instructions on how to find out where your protocol "lives": your protocol either lives with the Exempt/Expedited Team, or on a Full Board Panel.