The Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR) is now aggressively working to ensure that India regains its lost pre-eminence in clinical trials. The Society is now conducting its 11th edition of its annual conference on January 19 & 20, 2018 at the JW Marriot, Bengaluru.
 
The two-day event, preceded by pre-conference workshops, will see over 800 clinical research professionals from across India and other countries deliberate on the collaborative role of clinical research stakeholders in a strengthened and improved clinical research regulatory environment.
 
The key objective of this event is to fast track mature collaborative enterprise eventually reap the benefit for patients seeking newer drugs to treat diseases. This year’s event has  enhanced academic participation, training of young researchers. and patient engagement, said Dr. Denis Xavier, Chair Scientific Committee, 11th National Conference and Vice Dean, St John’s Medical College.
 
“The challenges of the last few years set back the progress of clinical research in India which has impacted patients the most as it has delayed their access to newer and more advanced treatment,” said Dr. Chirag Trivedi, president, ISCR.
 
“With more balanced and rational regulations in place, it is important for all stakeholders of clinical research to now discuss and evolve strategies to grow the clinical research environment in the country, while ensuring patient safety as well as high quality clinical research for better patient outcomes”, he added.
 
With the second highest population in the world and a large disease burden at 20%, less than 1.4% of global clinical research happens in India. “We need to make newer and better treatment options available locally and to patients globally. For this, India must proactively participate in conducting clinical research and assume a leadership role globally so that we can offer newer treatment options for our patients in India and across the world,” added Dr. Trivedi.
 
According to Dr. Ramesh Jagannathan, Chair, Organising Committee, 11th ISCR Conference, said that the event with its theme as ‘Collaborative Clinical Research for better Patient Outcomes’ is being held at a very critical time for the Indian clinical research industry. We have a significant to strengthen the overall infrastructure, empower patients who are at the core of any clinical research activity. Considerable efforts have been done to rope in the academia. There will be around 800 participants and given India’s potential to emerge as a big player in data-driven clinical research services, two Conference tracks have been planned focusing on Clinical Operations as well as Clinical Data Management/Biostatistics/Medical Writing.
 
“The great advances in medicine that have occurred over the last 60 years have largely been the result of clinical research. It has not only identified new and effective treatments but has also identified harmful treatments that has saved many lives. There is a need create more awareness about clinical research so that patients are aware of their rights and the value that clinical trials can offer,” said Dr. Prem Pais, former Dean, St John’s Medical College and an Investigator in several studies.