ICMR Partners with Industry Leaders for Groundbreaking Clinical Trials in India
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has formalized agreements with multiple sponsors under its Network of Phase 1 Clinical Trials. These agreements mark a significant step into First-in-Human Clinical Trials for four promising molecules.
Collaborative Research Initiatives
The collaborations include:
- Research on a small molecule for multiple myeloma with Aurigene Oncology Limited
- Development of a Zika vaccine with Indian Immunologicals Limited
- Seasonal Influenza virus vaccine trial with Mynvax Private Limited
- CAR-T cell therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia with ImmunoACT
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda commended the strategic collaboration, emphasizing its importance in making cutting-edge treatments affordable and accessible for all citizens. He noted that this initiative positions India to emerge as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
Statements from Key Figures
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of ICMR, highlighted the transformative potential of the project. He stated, “This collaboration reflects our commitment to advancing clinical research in India through strategic public-private partnerships. Establishing Phase 1 clinical trial infrastructure is a key component in fostering the development of indigenous molecules and cutting-edge treatments.”
Dr. Bahl also mentioned the broader impact of ICMR’s initiatives, such as the Network for Phase 1 Clinical Trials, INTENT Network, and MedTech Mitra, aligning with the government’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat”. He cited ICMR’s role in developing Covaxin with Bharat Biotech as a testament to the organization’s commitment to affordable and accessible healthcare.
Network for Phase 1 Clinical Trials
The ICMR Network for Phase 1 Clinical Trials includes four institutions across India:
- KEMH & GSMC, Mumbai
- ACTREC, Navi Mumbai
- SRM MCH&RC, Kattankulathur
- PGIMER, Chandigarh
These institutions are supported by a Central Coordinating Unit at ICMR Headquarters in New Delhi. The network aims to build and enhance India’s capacity to conduct early-phase clinical trials, supported by robust infrastructure and dedicated manpower at each trial site.
The signing of these agreements reinforces the strong partnerships ICMR has cultivated with key industry players. It underscores the institute’s dedication to building a robust clinical trial ecosystem in India, fostering the capacity to develop new drugs from early-phase trials through to marketing, thereby reducing dependency on international resources and driving the mission of affordable, high-quality healthcare for all.
Doubts Revealed
ICMR -: ICMR stands for the Indian Council of Medical Research. It is a government body in India that conducts and supports medical research.
Clinical Trials -: Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people. They help find out if new treatments are safe and effective.
First-in-Human -: First-in-Human trials are the first time a new drug or treatment is tested in people. Before this, it is usually tested in labs and on animals.
Molecules -: In this context, molecules refer to new drugs or treatments that are being tested to see if they can help treat diseases.
Aurigene Oncology Limited -: Aurigene Oncology Limited is a company in India that focuses on developing new treatments for cancer.
Indian Immunologicals Limited -: Indian Immunologicals Limited is a company in India that makes vaccines and other products to help prevent diseases.
Mynvax Private Limited -: Mynvax Private Limited is a company in India that is working on developing new vaccines, especially for diseases like the flu.
ImmunoACT -: ImmunoACT is a company in India that is developing new treatments that use the body’s immune system to fight diseases.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda -: JP Nadda is a politician in India who has served as the Union Health Minister. He is responsible for health policies and programs in the country.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl -: Dr. Rajiv Bahl is a medical researcher and a key figure in the Indian Council of Medical Research. He works on advancing medical research in India.