The Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR) is now concerned about the regulatory challenges, misconceptions about human studies and lack of awareness amongst the general public which is holding back the progress of clinical research in India. A survey conducted by pharmaceutical company Sanofi has revealed the growth inhibiting factors of clinical research in India.

On the occasion of the International Clinical Trials Day on May 20, the study further stressed on the need to improve the image of clinical research in the country by working closely with health authorities, organising patient awareness programmes, strengthening collaborations with the media and introducing clinical research as a subject in pharmacy and medical colleges.

The Sanofi survey also indicated need to enhance the quality of trials conducted in India by strengthening the regulatory framework; increasing awareness among stakeholders including patients; accrediting investigators, sites and ethics committees; and increasing frequency of regulatory inspections.

Many of these areas will be the focus, said ISCR. This year, the Society has decided to continue its focus on the theme of Patients First, to acknowledge patients who participate in clinical trials and contribute to finding new cures for so many diseases and to reiterate the clinical research fraternity’s commitment to patients who wait in hope of better treatment and cure.

“International Clinical Trials Day gives us an opportunity every year to highlight the invaluable role clinical research plays in helping millions of patients the world over get access to new and novel medical treatments and to thank those who have participated in clinical trials and helped in the discovery of life saving medicines and therapies. All stakeholders need to work together to rebuild confidence and trust amongst the global community in doing clinical research in India now that we have a more conducive regulatory environment in India for the conduct of clinical research,” said Suneela Thatte, president, ISCR.

This year, ISCR reached out to create a wider sphere of engagement for patients to mark International Clinical Trials Day. The Society held a logo design contest for patients and asked them to send in entries that represented clinical research and its value to patients. The winner was Meryl Mammen, a 26-year old patient of Pompe Disease, a rare genetic disorder. The logo she has created will be used in all communication material for this year’s International Clinical Trials Day.