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Institutional Biosafety Committee

ABOUT THE IBC

The University of Pittsburgh Institutional Biosafety (IBC) Committee is responsible for reviewing and ensuring compliance with the NIH Guidelines on all research activities that involve recombinant DNA (rDNA) including human gene transfer clinical trials.

History of the IBC

 

The Pittsburgh Area Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) was instituted under the direction of the late Wilfred Daehnick, Ph.D, Associate Provost for Research (1989-1994) and recognized by national registry at the Office of Biotechnology Activities (OBA) in June 1991.

 

The changing regulatory environment, public attention to controversy, and increased scrutiny of protocol review, oversight, and documentation initiated changes in the structure and functioning of the original committee. In early 2001, the IBC was placed under the auspices of the Research Conduct and Compliance Office, and the rDNA Office was established to coordinate and guide the committee review process. Three full-time personnel currently staff the IBC Office.

Role of the IBC

 

The IBC is responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance as well as review and approval of all research projects that involve recombinant DNA materials, including human gene transfer protocols (clinical trials using recombinant DNA molecules). The committee meets once monthly and follows the guidelines provided by the NIH Office of Biotechnology Activities (OBA).

 

The IBC is charged with the following responsibilities:

  1. Review of ALL research proposals involving recombinant DNA
  2. Notifying the Principal Investigator of the outcome of review and committee recommendation(s)
  3. Determination of reducing BSL for cNovember 10, 2009al BSL for all projects
  4. Conducting periodic reviews ensuring compliance with the NIH Guidelines
  5. Proscribing emergency plans covering accidental spills and personnel contamination by recombinant agents, as developed and recommended by the Biosafety Officer
  6. Reporting significant problems or violations of the NIH Guidelines to the appropriate federal agencies
  7. The IBC may not authorize proposals which are not covered by the NIH Guidelines until NIH establishes the standard of containment
  8. Performance of such other functions as deemed necessary

IBC Brochure

Institutional Biosafety Committe Brochure

November 10, 2009