The sponsor is responsible for defining the criteria and procedures for subject withdrawal or discontinuation of consent. This includes specifying how data already collected will be handled and whether any follow-up is required. The procedures must be clearly outlined in the study protocol and communicated to the research team.

This answer follows GCP guidelines, which state that the sponsor must ensure that procedures for subject withdrawal are clearly defined and documented.

"The sponsor is responsible for defining procedures to be followed if a subject discontinues participation or withdraws consent, including handling of data collected prior to withdrawal."

Objectives:

Ensure transparent procedures for participant withdrawal.

Maintain data integrity while respecting participant autonomy.