Yes, non-interventional studies (NIS) are regulated. While the specific regulations and requirements may vary by country, there are generally guidelines and provisions in place to ensure the conduct and reporting of non-interventional studies meet certain standards.

Here are some key points related to the regulation of non-interventional studies:

Ethical Considerations: Non-interventional studies involving human participants must adhere to ethical principles and guidelines (i.e., Declaration of Helsinki) and be approved by an ethics committe (IRB/REC). These guidelines often cover aspects such as informed consent, confidentiality, privacy protection, and the rights and welfare of study participants.

Data Protection: Regulations related to data protection and privacy, such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), are applicable to non-interventional studies. Researchers must ensure that the collection, storage, and processing of personal data comply with these regulations.

Regulatory Oversight: Regulatory authorities may have oversight over non-interventional studies, particularly when the studies are the results of a regulatory commitment (e.g., PMRs and PASS). In the EU, for example, the EMA provides guidance on non-interventional post-authorisation safety studies (PASS) (GVP Module VIII).

Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (EU): Non-interventional studies focused on post-authorization safety assessments of medicinal products are subject to good pharmacovigilance practices. These practices include the collection, analysis, and reporting of adverse drug reactions and safety data.

Reporting Requirements: Non-interventional studies may have reporting requirements (e.g., EU PAS Register) to ensure transparency and accountability. This may include the submission of study protocols, study results, safety updates, or other relevant data to regulatory authorities or ethics committees.

It’s important to note that the specific regulations and requirements for non-interventional studies can vary between countries and regions. Researchers conducting non-interventional studies should be familiar with the applicable regulations in their jurisdiction and seek guidance from regulatory authorities, ethics committees, or relevant professional organizations to ensure compliance with the required standards.