CHENNAI: The Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR) has chosen the theme of “Patients First” for this year’s International Clinical Trials Day that was observed on May 20. A series of workshops and seminars were held to highlight and celebrate the very important role that patients play in clinical trials and how their safety and welfare are a top priority for all clinical research stakeholders.
Said Suneela Thatte, President, ISCR, “On the International Clinical Trials Day, we acknowledge the selfless contribution of clinical trial patients in inventing new drugs and treatments. We would also like to dedicate this very important day to patients who are still waiting for new breakthroughs in medical science for a better quality of life. At less than 1.5%, the share of India in global clinical trials is very low, despite the country accounting for 17% of the world’s population and 20% of the global disease burden. We had organised several workshops and seminars on May 20 to deliberate upon the current environment for clinical trials in India and how clinical research stakeholders can collaborate to ensure an enabling environment for clinical research in the country.” Thatte added: “Over the last few months, several steps have been taken by Indian regulators to bring clinical research in India back on track. We now need to restore confidence among all the stakeholders that robust and streamlined guidelines and systems are in place in the country for conducting clinical research. Thousands of patients are desperately waiting for new therapies.”