In a major step towards bolstering India’s clinical research landscape, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has signed Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) with multiple sponsors under its Network of Phase 1 Clinical Trials. These agreements signal a historic milestone, ushering in the country’s entry into First-in-Human Clinical Trials for four groundbreaking molecules.

Among the collaborations, ICMR has joined forces with Aurigene Oncology Limited to research a small molecule for multiple myeloma, partnered with Indian Immunologicals Limited to develop a Zika vaccine, worked with Mynvax Private Limited on a seasonal influenza virus vaccine trial, and advanced CAR-T cell therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in partnership with ImmunoACT. This initiative is set to establish India as a pivotal player in the global clinical development of pharmaceutical agents.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, JP Nadda, praised the collaboration between ICMR and leading industry and academic institutions, calling it a “key milestone” in the mission to make cutting-edge treatments affordable and accessible to all. He highlighted India’s growing role in healthcare innovation, positioning the nation as a global leader in this domain.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research & Director General, ICMR, emphasized the far-reaching impact of this initiative. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to advancing clinical research in India through strategic public-private partnerships. Establishing Phase 1 clinical trial infrastructure is essential to the development of indigenous molecules and innovative treatments,” he stated.

Dr. Bahl further expressed ICMR’s vision to expand this network and keep India at the forefront of developing affordable healthcare solutions.He also noted ICMR’s other transformative initiatives, including the INTENT Network and MedTech Mitra, which align with the government’s vision of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India). Dr. Bahl cited ICMR’s role in the development of Covaxin, in partnership with Bharat Biotech, as a testament to the organization’s commitment to accessible healthcare for all.

ICMR’s Phase 1 Clinical Trials Network includes four strategically located institutions across India: KEM Hospital and GSMC in Mumbai, ACTREC in Navi Mumbai, SRM Medical College in Kattankulathur, and PGIMER in Chandigarh. Supported by a Central Coordinating Unit at ICMR Headquarters in New Delhi, this network is designed to strengthen India’s capacity to conduct early-phase clinical trials with robust infrastructure and dedicated teams at each trial site.

The signing of these agreements underscores ICMR’s strong partnerships with key industry players and its dedication to building a self-sustaining clinical trial ecosystem in India. By reducing reliance on international resources and fostering the development of new drugs from early-phase trials to market, ICMR is driving the mission of delivering affordable, high-quality healthcare to all citizens.