The clinical research professionals of the country have launched "Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR)" for upgrading their skills through coordination and networking. The ISCR is envisaged as a broad based organisation with members drawn from sponsors (industry), investigators, academicians, regulators and patients. Headquartered in Mumbai, the society is in the process of enrolling members for building up a countrywide network.
Speaking about ISCR, Dr Shoibal Mukherjee, medical director, Pfizer and president, ISCR claimed ISCR to be the only grouping of its kind where clinical research professionals across India can network and contribute to the development of the industry. He expects to attract over 1000 members to the society within a couple of months. ISCR is to provide a forum for exchange of information and learning in a specialty area that is fast becoming an important industry in the country. "We intend to create more awareness about clinical research and facilitate its growth while helping to evolve the highest standards of quality and ethics. Indian research based pharma companies are part of the society," said Dr Rama Mukherjee, president, R&D, Dabur Research Foundation.
ISCR intends to create an online repository of information on clinical research in India. ISCR will also monitor legislative and regulatory developments and make representations to the government and other agencies on behalf of the clinical research community. Through the society, patients and patient support groups can interact with clinical research experts. In addition, new entrants in the field will now have greater access to expert training.
"We are planning to invite world renowned experts in clinical research to address our scientific meetings. The society can be an excellent platform for sharing the latest developments in clinical research," Dr V Raina, Professor of medical oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences informed. Dr Raina is part of the interim governing council of the society.
ISCR intends to hold elections as soon as its membership drive is over. They want an elected body to take over and carry out the activities of the society in a professional manner. The ISCR website (www.iscr.org) is to be central to the endeavours of the society. "We hope to make it the top-of-mind reference source for those seeking information in connection with clinical research in India," Dr Shoibal Mukherjee said.
The ISCR website has information on all relevant aspects of clinical research in India and allows members to virtually interact with each other in real time using the ISCR forum. In the coming months, ISCR is to launch a number of initiatives and focus on patient needs, investigators, CROs and pharmaceutical companies with an overall view of enhancing the ethical standards and quality of clinical research in India.