What key factor must be established before a regulatory professional can proceed with a clinical trial?

The identification of relevant clinical data is fundamental in the context of a clinical trial because it serves as the foundation for the entire study. Before initiating any regulatory processes or seeking approvals, a regulatory professional must ensure that sufficient and appropriate data is available to support the trial's objectives. This data informs the design of the trial, including the study population, the endpoints, and the methods to be used.

Furthermore, the collection of relevant clinical data is critical for establishing the safety and efficacy of the investigational product, which ultimately influences regulatory submissions and the approval process with agencies such as the FDA or EMA.

While other factors, such as gaining Internal Review Board approval, compliance with international medical standards, and developing product labeling, are also important for the conduct of a clinical trial, they generally follow after establishing a solid data foundation. Without the relevant clinical data, it would be difficult to justify or design the trial, making it the key factor in the regulatory professional's approach.