ICMR Signs Memorandum of Agreement to Advance First-in-Human Phase 1 Clinical Trials

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced new agreements with several companies and academic institutions to begin First-in-Human Phase 1 clinical trials for four new medicines. This important step aims to improve India’s ability to develop new drugs and establish the country as a leader in clinical research.

The agreements include partnerships for:

• A small molecule to treat multiple myeloma with Aurigene Oncology Limited.
• A Zika virus vaccine with Indian Immunologicals Limited.
• A seasonal flu vaccine trial with Mynvax Private Limited.
• CAR-T cell therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia with ImmunoACT.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Shri J P Nadda praised these agreements as a major achievement in making advanced treatments more affordable and accessible to everyone. He noted that this move helps position India as a global leader in healthcare innovation.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of ICMR, emphasized that these partnerships are key to advancing clinical research in India. “By setting up Phase 1 clinical trial facilities, we are taking a big step towards developing new treatments and reducing our reliance on foreign resources,” Dr. Bahl said. “Our goal is to expand this network and ensure India leads in providing innovative and affordable healthcare.”

The ICMR Network for Phase 1 Clinical Trials includes four main sites across India: KEMH & GSMC in Mumbai, ACTREC in Navi Mumbai, SRM MCH&RC in Kattankulathur, and PGIMER in Chandigarh. A Central Coordinating Unit at ICMR Headquarters in New Delhi will oversee the network. These centers will work together to conduct early-phase trials efficiently.

These new agreements highlight ICMR’s commitment to building a strong clinical trial system in India, helping to create new medicines and reduce the country’s dependence on international sources, all while making healthcare more affordable for everyone.