Internet Explorer is no longer supported by Microsoft. To browse the NIHR site please use a modern, secure browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.

Model site agreements (model contracts, standard research agreements)

Contents

Published: 24 May 2019

Version: 1.0

Print this document

Model agreements, often called model Clinical Trial Agreements (mCTAs), of one of two UK-wide tools you will need to use to complete National Contract Value Review (NCVR) - the UK’s standardised, national approach to costing and contracting for commercial contract research. 

If you are not familiar with NCVR, visit our Costing and contracting using National Contract Value Review (NCVR) web page. This helpful overview explains what NCVR is, why it has been implemented, and how it is helping to speed up the costing and contracting activities for commercial clinical research in the UK.

Unmodified use of the appropriate model agreement helps to speed up the contracting process for studies carried out in the NHS, by removing site-by-site review and negotiation. Unmodified use is a general expectation and, in most cases, an obligation for the NHS - as set out in the National Directive on Commercial Contract Research Studies. This standardised approach protects all parties, enables studies to start earlier and gives NHS patients faster access to innovative treatments in high quality research.

The suite of model site agreements are supported by guidance which sets out the aims and provides details on how the agreement should be used in the development of contracts for clinical research sponsored by pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical or medical technology companies.

Access the suite of model agreements

For more information and to access the latest versions of model agreement templates, visit the IRAS website.

model Industry Collaborative Research Agreement (mICRA)

The model Industry Collaborative Research Agreement (mICRA) launched in February 2011 aims to support clinical research collaborations involving the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, academia and NHS organisations across the UK.

A Decision Tree is available to guide users in identifying when studies are collaborative and whether mICRA is applicable.

Feedback on the use of the mICRA is welcomed to help inform its future development. Email comments to industry@nihr.ac.uk

Explore our full range of support

National Contract Value Review (NCVR) is just one of the ways we work in partnership with life science organisations to help you to plan, place and perform commercial clinical research in the UK. Visit our offer to the life Sciences Industry page to discover our full range of support and request a meeting with our dedicated industry team:

 industry@nihr.ac.uk