ICMR Pioneers Clinical Trials for Promising New Molecules with Key Partnerships

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has signed landmark agreements with multiple sponsors for Phase 1 clinical trials, introducing four promising molecules. This move aims to enhance India's leadership in healthcare innovation and establish a robust clinical trial ecosystem for affordable treatments.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has entered into significant Memorandum of Agreements (MoAs) with various sponsors under its Network of Phase 1 Clinical Trials, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. These agreements signify a pioneering venture into First-in-Human Clinical Trials for four promising molecules.

The collaborations involve research on a small molecule for multiple myeloma with Aurigene Oncology Limited, Zika vaccine development with Indian Immunologicals Limited, a seasonal influenza virus vaccine trial with Mynvax Private Limited, and a CAR-T cell therapy study for chronic lymphocytic leukemia with ImmunoACT. This initiative marks a major step towards positioning India as a leader in the clinical development of pharmaceutical agents.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda lauded the strategic partnership between ICMR and leading industry and academic collaborators. He emphasized this move as a key milestone in ensuring affordable and cutting-edge treatments for all citizens and positioning India to emerge as a global healthcare innovation leader.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of ICMR, highlighted the transformative potential of the project. ''This collaboration illustrates our commitment to advancing clinical research in India via strategic public-private partnerships,'' he said. He pointed out that establishing Phase 1 clinical trial infrastructure is crucial for fostering the development of indigenous molecules and treatments. Bahl also pointed to ICMR's broader initiatives, like the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Network, INTENT Network, and MedTech Mitra, aligning with the government's vision of a ''Viksit Bharat''.

He cited the development of Covaxin in collaboration with Bharat Biotech as a testament to ICMR's dedication to accessible and affordable healthcare. The ICMR Network for Phase 1 Clinical Trials includes four strategically located institutions across India: KEMH & GSMC in Mumbai, ACTREC in Navi Mumbai, SRM MCH&RC in Kattankulathur, and PGIMER in Chandigarh, all supported by a Central Coordinating Unit at ICMR Headquarters in New Delhi.

This network aims to build and enhance India's early-phase clinical trial capacity with robust infrastructure and dedicated manpower at each site, ensuring effective operations. These agreements reinforce ICMR's strong partnerships with key industry players and its commitment to developing a comprehensive clinical trial ecosystem in India, advancing new drug development and reducing reliance on international resources.

(With inputs from agencies.)