The Delhi based Institute of Clinical Research India (ICRI) is expanding its domestic presence with the establishment of four new institutes across the India. The company will invest nearly Rs 5 crore for each institute in Hyderabad, Calcutta, Chennai and Chandigarh. The institute will start functioning from August 2008.

In an interaction with Pharmabiz, S K Gupta, ICRI dean and director general, said, "We are commissioning four new institutes in Hyderabad, Calcutta, Chennai and Chandigarh. Clinical research market is growing rapidly in the world market at around US $600 million and expected to reach up to $1.5 billion by 2010. Considering this world market demand, we are continuously updating ourselves as per the requirement. In another one month's time we will be carrying out entrance exam for the next academic year".

The institute will introduce 'Masters in Clinical Research' degree at its new institutes. The complete time duration of the course will be two years with four semesters. The course fees would be around 2 lakh per annum and one batch will have 100 students. The institute will include different subjects like pharmacovigilance, pharmacoepidemiology, regulatory affair and clinical trial management in its course duration. In each institute, the ICRI will hire 25 skilled staff for imparting education.

ICRI is also organising various seminars and workshops for the clinical trial segment. The institute is planning to organise informational programme on Global Research 2008, which will highlight advances in clinical trial sector in India and also in the world. They have invited speakers from US and UK on March 14-15 at hotel intercontinental in Mumbai. It will also start FDA Smart programme, which will provide up-to-date information on US FDA regulation for conducting clinical trials.

Talking about further initiative, Gupta, said, "We are continuously evaluating our existing knowledge. In the near future, we will establish our strong state-of-the-art institute at domestic market".