उद्योग और शैक्षणिक के साथ ICMR ने किया साझेदारों पर हस्ताक्षर किए

ICMR signs MoUs with industry, academia

The Indian Council of Medical Research has formalised MoUs with several sponsors under its Phase 1 clinical trials network. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the agreements mark a significant entry into clinical trials for the first time in humans for four promising molecules. These include collaborative research on a small molecule for multiple myeloma with OriGene Oncology Ltd, a partnership for Zika vaccine development with Indian Immunologicals Ltd, coordination of a seasonal influenza virus vaccine trial with Minevax Pvt Ltd and a CAR-T cell therapy advancement study for a new indication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with ImmunoAct, the ministry said on Saturday.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda lauded the strategic collaboration between ICMR and key industry and academia partners and called it an important milestone in the pursuit of affordable and accessible cutting-edge treatments for all citizens. He said the initiative will position India to emerge as a global leader in healthcare innovation. Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, ICMR, emphasised the transformative potential of the project, saying, “This collaboration reflects our commitment to advance clinical research in India through strategic public-private partnerships. Establishment of Phase 1 clinical trial infrastructure is a critical component in promoting the development of indigenous molecules and cutting-edge treatments. Our vision is to further expand this network, ensuring that India remains a leader in the development of innovative and affordable healthcare solutions.” Dr Bahl also highlighted the wide-reaching impact of ICMR’s initiatives, such as the Network for Phase 1 Clinical Trials, INTENT Network and MedTech Mitra, which align with the Government’s vision of a “Developed India”. He cited ICMR’s key role in the development of Covaxin in collaboration with Bharat Biotech, which is a testimony to the organisation’s commitment to affordable and accessible healthcare for all.

The ICMR network for Phase 1 clinical trials comprises four strategically located institutions across India- KEMH and GSMC, Mumbai; ACTREC, Navi Mumbai; SRM MCH&RC, Kattankulathur; and PGIMER, Chandigarh - which are supported by a central coordinating unit at ICMR Headquarters, New Delhi. The ministry said, "This network is designed to build and enhance India's capacity to conduct early phase clinical trials, supported by robust infrastructure and dedicated manpower at each trial site, ensuring smooth and effective operations." The signing of these agreements reinforces the strong partnerships developed by ICMR with key industry players. It underlines the institution's dedication to building a strong clinical trial ecosystem in India, boosting the ability to develop new drugs from early phase trials to marketing, thereby reducing dependence on international resources and ultimately advancing the mission of affordable, high-quality healthcare for all.