WIRB Copernicus Group (WCG)

The UIC has a reliance agreement with WCG that allows WCG to serve as the IRB of record for certain eligible Industry Sponsored Clinical Trials.  The WCG is AAHRPP accredited, conducts rigorous reviews of the materials provided to them, and ensures that the informed consent and HIPAA Authorization documents meet the institutional requirements set forth in the agreement between UIC and WCG. WCG will also serve as the Privacy Board for research protocols sent for their review and approval.

Studies eligible for review by WCG include:

  • Phase II / III / IV clinical trials (sponsor holds all INDs/IDEs).
  • Research protocol is designed and written by the sponsor.
  • The sponsor is a for-profit entity or company (sponsor must agree to pay subject injury costs).
  • The research has not previously been submitted to the UIC IRB for review.
  • The research is greater than minimal risk.
  • Exceptions to the above criteria may be considered at the discretion of the OPRS Director.

Certain studies may not be eligible for review by the WCG.  Research involving minors may qualify for submission to WCG depending on the design of the study. The OPRS WCG Administrator will review the Protocol Synopsis to determine eligibility. Please note that UIC IRB review may be required when the institution deems that the rights and welfare of subjects would be better served by local review.  Investigators who are unsure if their study qualifies for WCG IRB (WIRB) Request for External Reliance are encouraged to contact the UIC Reliance Listserv prior to submitting: RELIANCE-UICIRB@UIC.EDU

Refer to GUIDANCE: WCG IRB (WIRB) Investigator Guidance (HRP-806b) for full details on the submission process including a flow diagram on the process.

IRB fees include both WCG and OVCR administrative cost and payment of these fees is considered contractual obligation of the sponsor.

The PI is required to provide a FOAP code in the UIC Research submission, indicating which account OVCR should charge for fees associated with IRB review.

The fees are determined by review type and are subject to change.  Refer to the UIC OPRS IRB Fees website for the current fee schedule.