Teleradiology Solutions (TRS) which teamed up with Biocon-Clinigene to provide image interpretation services in clinical trails has now undertaken three projects in the musculoskeletal and the Oncology space. The modalities being interpreted as part of these projects include X rays, CT/MRI scans and PET-CT scans. Stringent and reproducible measurement criteria as defined by WHO are utilized to ensure accuracy of analysis. All protocols are driven by Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.

As part of the agreement, Biocon has signed to use RadSPA, the image management platform  developed by its technology division, TeleradTech, which is customized for clinical trials image archival, analysis and workflow tracking. RadSPA is a sophisticated integrated RIS-PACS workflow software which has already been deployed by TeleradTech at TRS as well as at a number of other clinical sites in India and Europe, stated Dr Arjun Kalyanpur, CEO, Teleradiology Solutions.

The company has been involved with clinical trials radiology for the past 5 years. The specialties of imaging include oncology, musculoskeletal, neurology, cardiology, pulmonary and paediatrics. Its clients cover from academic research centres to medical device companies and pharmaceutical companies It also assists sponsor companies and CROs for imaging requirements which has enabled the company to increase its scope in protocol development and study design, he added.

Currently the Teleradiology services are utilized by over 100 hospitals in the US and is looking to expand its footprint into different geographies, he said.

Among the future plans in the space are to expand sales and marketing efforts into the clinical trial space. It will also focus on complementary image management services like site coordination, site training for imaging techniques, study design. For TeleradTech, it will provide clinical trial image management technology for efficient transfer of images, automated audit trails, blinding reviews and more. Further, the company is looking to partner with CROs and sponsor companies.

It is estimated that India accounts for a 5 percent of the global clinical trial business. But in the case of Teleradiology Solutions, its business is driven by international clients. With major sponsor companies viewing India and China to carry out clinical trials. This is driven by multiple factors like recession, huge impending patent expiry for many sponsor companies and the slow rate of new drug and device discovery which has led to cut costs and reduce cycle time. Sponsor companies and many CROs have realized that this can be achieved in a major way by outsourcing to countries like India where labour arbitrage, cheaper overheads and working across time zones account for a lot of savings. “We are already seeing major CRO companies setting up offices in India and this trend is continuing as costs and cycle times get reduced further. For Teleradiology Solutions, India will be a big market for clinical trials and sees itself as a strong local partner for companies looking to enter this space”, stated Dr Kalyanpur.