Synapse Clinical Research Foundation (SCRF), a not for profit organization founded to provide easy access to information on clinical trials currently running in India, has developed an Indian Clinical Trials Registry (ICTR), claimed to be the first of its kind in India.

According to SCRF sources, the Registry will be accessible at ww.synapsefoundation.org. The ICTR contains information for public on Ethics Review Board (ERB)/DCGI approved clinical trials/human volunteer studies that are currently running in India for different medical diseases. In parallel, SCRF has also launched the Indian Investigator Registry (IIR) and Indian Registry for Ethic Review Boards (IRERB). At present SCRF has information on more than 100 clinical trials happening in India and that will be soon made available in the website. All the investigators/sponsors of a clinical study could register their trial with ICTR for online posting in the Registry, informed sources.

They said SCRF would represent the views and concerns of patient to the government and other legislative bodies including regulatory agencies and work to safeguard the health, welfare and interests of all participants in clinical trials. Another plan is to create awareness among people on the know-how of clinical trials and will foster professionalism, ethical sensitivity, and technical skills among persons involved in scientific and clinical research. SCRF will also provide medical education solutions specially focusing on the clinical trials industry. The organisation aims to offer a nationwide independent database for clinical trial activities and to promote transparent, accountable and ethical conduct of clinical trials with transparency.

The current projects include development of the ICTR, an Investigator Registry, ERB Registry, patient information services, educational programmes like an advanced professional programme in clinical research and Diploma In Clinical Trial Data Management. Other plans of SCRF include starting of a Synapse Centre for Evidence Based Medicine (SCEBM), constitution of an independent ERB, ERB education and capacity building, research centre listing etc., informed SCRF sources.