Research body for stepping up clinical trials

Chennai: The Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR) has proposed to launch a nationwide advocacy programme - NavChetna - to create awareness for clinical research, taking into account the country’s low share in global clinical research. ISCR, which has chosen ‘Patients First’ as the theme for this year’s International Clinical Trials Day on May 20, will also be re-launching its publication, Clinical Trials – A Guide for Participants.

The guide empowers patients by providing a better understanding of clinical trials so that they can make a responsible and informed decision to participate. It guides patients on questions to ask investigators before making a decision to participate. ISCR will also be launching an educational film on the occasion, showcasing clinical research testimonials and experiences. In addition, it will be distributing its code of conduct for clinical research in India.

This 12-point, patient-centric code, applicable to all ISCR members, reinforces their commitment to ethical, scientific and regulatory compliance while engaging in any clinical research activity.
It has also been planned to conduct a series of workshops and seminars to highlight the vital role of patients in clinical trials and how their safety and welfare are a top priority for all clinical research stakeholders.

“Despite the country accounting for 17 per cent of the world’s population and 20 per cent of the global disease burden, India’s share in global clinical trials, which is less than 1.5 per cent now, is very low,” says Suneela Thatte, president of ISCR. She claimed that thousands of patients are desperately waiting for new therapies and drugs to enter the market.

International Clinical Trials Day is observed on May 20 every year to commemorate the occasion in 1747 when Scottish physician, Dr James Lind, regarded the father of clinical trials, conducted the world’s first controlled clinical trial aboard a ship on sailors suffering from scurvy. He discovered that citrus fruits (containing Vitamin C) in the diet could prevent scurvy.