India currently has 3,000 professionals in clinical research and the shortfall for such personnel is estimated to be 50,000 annually. There are 150 clinical research organizations in the country handling 265 clinical trials of which over 70 per cent are global trials.

In the wake of the major shortage of these personnel, the three-year-old Institute of Clinical Research India (ICRI) has embarked on an expansion project and is planning to enter Singapore and US in early 2008. The Institute has already made its entry to UK by setting up an institute there. It has institutes in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Bangalore. This will bring the total campuses to seven under the ICRI umbrella.

The need for expansion comes in because of the growing demand for clinical research personnel , stated Dr SK Gupta, dean and director, general ICRI at a press conclave in Bangalore.

A total of 1,000 students pass out of the four campuses in the country. It is the only institute in the world offering MSc. in Clinical Research. Currently 400, students pass out from this post graduate course from its four campuses in India and the remaining are from the part time courses.

The global spends in clinical trials is estimated to be $1.5 billion by 2012. Present estimates indicate that it is around $400 million. With the clinical research industry growing at an unprecedented rate, need for manpower is also critical. Outsourcing clinical trials to India has given a new business opportunity. Regulatory approvals and Schedule Y amendments, CDCSO/WHO GCP compliances and the inspection by US FDA for conduct of global trials have provided a conducive atmosphere for entry of international clinical research organizations (CROs). The setting up of the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI) by the Indian Council of Medical Research is another positive move for the development of the business, stated Dr Gupta.

The Institute has also appointed Prof. Anthony Woodman from the Crainfield University, UK as CEO of ICRI. The appointment is in sync with our global forays and set international benchmarks in the industry worldwide, stated SR Duggal, president, strategy, ICRI.