Sterling Independent Services was established in 1991 as an independent review board that provides protection for human research participants in medical research studies. The board is comprised of highly qualified individuals, both scientific and non-scientific. Once the board approves a study, Sterling monitors the study and its participants, through the continuing review of all study materials, ongoing reports, letters, safety information documents, protocol amendments, consent documents and recruitment and retention materials. Its client base consists of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, clinical research organizations (CROs), federal agencies and individual investigators.
Sterling's board may also act as the review board for studies conducted at hospitals and academic institutions, and the establishment is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to review studies for investigators who are conducting clinical research in the state of Massachusetts. The Sterling IRB administrative staff is very dedicated to excellent customer service, while keeping the research study cost effective.