New Delhi, May 21: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) organized the ‘First ICMR Annual Clinical Trial Conference 2026’ on Wednesday, coinciding with ‘International Clinical Trials Day.’ The conference focused on the theme of ‘Integrated Medical Clinical Trials,’ emphasizing India’s emerging leadership in global clinical research.
The event saw participation from policymakers, scientists, physicians, researchers, and regulatory officials. Notable attendees included Prof. (Dr.) V.K. Paul, Dr. Rajiv Bahal, and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha.
During the conference, two significant reports and guidelines were released. The first, titled ‘Advancing Phase I Clinical Trials in India: A Delphi Study on Regulatory Processes and Opportunities,’ and the second, ‘Operational Guidelines for Single Ethical Review of Multicentric Research in India.’ These documents aim to enhance the speed, transparency, and ethical robustness of clinical trials.
A key highlight of the conference was the results of a multicentric Phase-3 randomized controlled trial on anemia caused by iron deficiency, conducted by ICMR-CCRAS. This study compared Ayurvedic medicines like Punarnavadi Mandura and Drakshavaleha with standard iron-folic acid therapy. Conducted on nearly 4,000 non-pregnant women, the study found that both Ayurvedic treatments were as effective as the standard treatment. This research underscores India’s strong potential in the field of integrated medicine.
ICMR stated that timely clinical trials, improved regulatory processes, and ethical review mechanisms could elevate health research in the country to new heights. Discussions at the conference highlighted the need to simplify regulatory processes to promote first-in-human Phase-1 trials and enhance coordination between research institutions and industry.
A panel discussion on ‘Policy Approval of Integrated Research Evidence’ emphasized the importance of mainstreaming evidence-based integrated medicine.
–
S.C.H.
Leave a Comment