Sant Pau’s Research Ethics Committee Receives Reaccreditation for Four Years
No clinical trial involving medicinal products can begin at Sant Pau without the approval of the Research Ethics Committee for Medicinal Products (CEIm), which has just renewed its accreditation and will be able to continue evaluating research projects for the next four years. The resolution issued by the Department of Health of the Government of Catalonia took effect on October 15, 2026, and remains valid until October 2030.
The CEIm is an independent, multidisciplinary body that safeguards the rights, safety, and well-being of people participating in biomedical research projects. To this end, it evaluates the methodological, ethical, and legal aspects of clinical trials and observational studies involving medicinal products, clinical investigations involving medical devices, and studies involving invasive procedures or the use of health data and biological samples. Its work does not end with initial approval: it also reviews significant amendments to authorized projects and monitors clinical trials involving medicinal products and clinical investigations involving medical devices.
“We welcome this reaccreditation as recognition of the committee’s work and an opportunity to express our gratitude for the support we have received throughout this time. It is also an incentive to reaffirm our commitment to continuous improvement, both in the quality of our evaluations and in the service we provide to researchers and study participants,” says Dr. Robert Belvís, president of the CEIm.
In 2025, the CEIm evaluated 364 new projects, including 25 clinical trials involving medicinal products and 339 observational studies, medical device studies, and other projects, and held 46 meetings. The rate of favorable opinions was 83%, and the time from submission by the sponsor to the first evaluation at a committee meeting is 10–12 days.
The committee is composed of professionals from medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and law, together with a patient representative and individuals from other disciplines, such as philosophy, engineering, computer science, and psychology. This diversity of backgrounds allows each project to be assessed from different perspectives, including that of the people for whom the research is intended. Its scope of activity includes Sant Pau Hospital, Clínica Creu Blanca, and the Biobank of the Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR Sant Pau).
