Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

EU: EU Clinical Trials Regulation and new Information System finally in place

As of 31 January 2022, the new Clinical Trials Regulation (EU) No. 536/2014 (CTR) entered into force, repealing the Clinical Trial Directive (EC) No. 2001/20/EC. This step is meant to facilitate the daily business of sponsors in the EU immensely, when it comes to filing clinical trial applications. The new Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) serves as a single-entry point for submission and assessment of clinical trial data for all EU and EEA countries and has gone live.

What’s new?

In the past, sponsors had to submit clinical trial applications separately to national competent authorities (NCAs) and ethics committees in each European country to gain regulatory approval. To run a clinical trial, and registration and posting of results were also separate processes. With the new Clinical Trials Information System /CTIS), sponsors can now apply for authorisations in up to 30 EU/EEA countries at the same time and with the same documentation. Publication of the trial information is built in the system. This should strengthen Europe’s position as an attractive location for clinical research and enhance transparency on outcomes of authorised clinical trials.It also has an impact on Annex 13 of the EU GMP Guide, which will be replaced by the new regulation.

What’s the timeline?

  • The CTR foresees a three-year transition period.
  • Member States will work in CTIS immediately after the system has gone live.
  • Until 31 January 2023, clinical trial sponsors can still choose whether to submit an initial clinical trial application in line with the Clinical Trials Directive (EC) No. 2001/20/EC or via CTIS.
  • From 31 January 2023, submission of initial clinical trial applications via CTIS becomes mandatory.
  • By 31 January 2025, all ongoing trials approved under the current Clinical Trials Directive will be governed by the new Regulation and must be transitioned to CTIS.

Along with this EMA has published a comprehensive Q&A on the new regulation, as well as various descriptive material and You Tube videos on the subject.


Source:

EC: Regulation (EU) 536/2014

EMA: Clinical Trials Information System

EMA: Clinical Trials Regulation

Meet the GMP Compliance Adviser

The GMP Compliance Adviser is the world's largest knowledge portal for quality management in the pharma business. 

The demo access is non-binding and ends automatically.

Test it now for free

You may also be interested in the following articles:

ICH: Updated Q9(R1) Briefing Pack

ICH: Updated Q9(R1) Briefing Pack

The ICH has fully revised the Q9(R1) Briefing Pack (March/April 2026) to align with the updated ICH Q9 guideline.
Read more
EMA: New Plans for the EU GMP Guide

EMA: New Plans for the EU GMP Guide

EMA published the GMDP Inspectors Working Group’s new 2026-2028 work plan and its 2025 annual report.
Read more
EMA: Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS) Effectiveness Pilot Project

EMA: Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS) Effectiveness Pilot Project

EMA launched a pilot under which EEA GMP inspectors will assess how sites demonstrate the effectiveness of their pharmaceutical quality system for risk-based change management, and whether the EEA GMP certificate could serve as the main evidence of this effectiveness.
Read more
EMA: Updated Guideline on Active Substance Chemistry

EMA: Updated Guideline on Active Substance Chemistry

The EMA has updated guidance on the information required for the manufacture and control of active substances used in medicinal products, with a 1 September 2026 date of application.
Read more
EMA: Q&A on the Implementation of 3DP Technology for Solid Oral Dosage Forms

EMA: Q&A on the Implementation of 3DP Technology for Solid Oral Dosage Forms

EMA added a new GMP/Q&A section on its website and published a dedicated Q&A document on 3D printing (3DP) for solid oral dosage forms.
Read more
Microbiological Monitoring – Sources of Contamination

Microbiological Monitoring – Sources of Contamination

All pharmaceutical dosage forms must be manufactured under controlled microbiological conditions. This requires microbial monitoring. This applies not only to sterile manufacturing, but also to facilities that manufacture non-sterile products.
Read more
Previous
Next