In a significant move to bolster India’s clinical research capabilities, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced the commencement of first-in-human trials for therapies targeting Zika virus, seasonal influenza, and blood cancers. This initiative marks a pivotal step in positioning India as a global leader in the development of innovative pharmaceutical agents.
Collaborative Efforts and Strategic Partnerships
The ICMR has formalized Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) with several industry and academic partners to advance these trials. The collaborations include:
- Zika Vaccine Development: Partnering with Hyderabad-based Indian Immunologicals, the ICMR aims to develop a vaccine against the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne infection that has caused significant public health concerns globally.
- Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: In collaboration with Bengaluru-based Mynvax, the ICMR will conduct trials for a vaccine targeting seasonal influenza, a common yet potentially severe respiratory illness.
- Blood Cancer Therapies: The ICMR has teamed up with Aurigene Oncology, also based in Bengaluru, to develop a small molecule therapy for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer affecting plasma cells. Additionally, a partnership with Navi Mumbai-based ImmunoACT will focus on advancing CAR-T cell therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow3.
Infrastructure and Support
The trials will be conducted across four strategically located institutions in India: King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College (KEMH & SGSMC) in Mumbai, the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) in Navi Mumbai, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre in Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, and the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. A Central Coordinating Unit at ICMR Headquarters in New Delhi will support these institutions.
A Step Towards Self-Sufficiency
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of ICMR, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Establishing Phase 1 clinical trial infrastructure is a key component in fostering the development of indigenous molecules and cutting-edge treatments. Our vision is to expand this network further, ensuring that India continues to lead in the development of innovative and affordable healthcare solutions.”
The ICMR’s efforts to advance these first-in-human trials underscore India’s commitment to enhancing its clinical research ecosystem and providing accessible, state-of-the-art treatments for its population.
