ISCR puts ‘Patients First’ this International Clinical Trials Day

To relaunch ‘Clinical Trials – A Guide for Participants’, as well as a film showcasing clinical research testimonials and experiences giving patients more information on clinical trials

The Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR) has chosen the theme of ‘Patients First’ for this year’s International Clinical Trials Day that will be observed on May 20. ISCR will also be relaunching its publication called ‘Clinical Trials – A Guide for Participants,’ along with an educational film under the banner of NavChetana, its nationwide advocacy program aimed at creating an enabling environment for clinical research by raising awareness about its role and relevance.

ISCR will also be organising 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, according to Suneela Thatte, President, ISCR.

Explaining the rationale for this year’s focus, Thatte said, “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 per cent, the share of India in global clinical trials is very low, despite the country accounting for 17 per cent of the world’s population and 20 per cent of the global disease burden.”

She 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 and drugs to enter the market, and we, as clinical research professionals, have an enormous responsibility to fulfill this need. We are fully committed to working with everyone across the clinical research spectrum to create an enabling environment which encourages scientific and ethical clinical research so that patients can have better and quicker access to new treatments.”

To create an enabling environment for clinical research by raising awareness about its role and relevance, ISCR has launched a nationwide advocacy program called NavChetana. On May 20, ISCR will be relaunching its publication called ‘Clinical Trials – A Guide for Participants under the NavChetana banner. 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 in clinical trials.

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.