Regulatory and Ethical Frameworks for First-in-Human Clinical Trials in India: Proceedings of a Codesigned
Nusrat Shafiq1, Ashok Kumar2, Jerin Jose Cherian3,4,5
1Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India. nusrat.shafiq.pgi@gmail.com.
Insights
A workshop addressed regulatory and ethical challenges in first-in-human (FIH) clinical trials in India. Discussions focused on harmonizing policies and building capacity to advance early phase clinical research in the country.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Research
- Regulatory Affairs
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- A workshop convened stakeholders to discuss regulatory and ethical issues in first-in-human (FIH) clinical trials in India.
- The event aimed to address the evolving landscape and operational challenges of early phase trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the proceedings of a workshop on regulatory and ethical frameworks for FIH trials in India.
- To highlight critical insights for developing a robust system to support early phase clinical research.
Main Methods:
- Interactive sessions covering investigational new drug (IND) applications, mock regulatory meetings, and monitoring simulations.
- Hands-on exercises on regulatory submission pathways, trial reporting, documentation, safety oversight, and informed consent.
- A panel discussion on the phase lag policy for FIH studies involving experts from regulatory agencies, ICMR, industry, and academia.
Main Results:
- Discussions emphasized the need for policy harmonization to streamline early phase clinical trials.
- Enhanced site preparedness and sustained capacity-building were identified as crucial for India's leadership in clinical research.
- The workshop provided critical insights into developing a comprehensive regulatory and ethical framework.
Conclusions:
- Strengthening the regulatory and ethical framework is essential for advancing FIH clinical trials in India.
- Collaborative efforts among regulators, academia, and industry are key to overcoming operational challenges.
- Positioning India as a leader in early phase clinical research requires strategic policy development and capacity enhancement.
Abstract:
A two-and-a-half-day workshop on regulatory and ethical issues in first-in-human (FIH) clinical trials in India was held at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India, on 7-9 November 2024, under the aegis of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Phase I Network. The workshop brought together regulators, academic investigators, and industry representatives to examine the evolving regulatory landscape of early phase trials in India and the operational challenges associated with it. Through interactive sessions, including preparation of investigational new drug (IND) application, mock pre-IND/IND and mock subject expert committee (SEC) meetings, on-site monitoring simulations, and structured hands-on exercises, the workshop navigated regulatory submission pathways, trial reporting, documentation standards, safety oversight, and informed consent processes. A panel discussion on the phase lag policy for FIH studies in India was held with expert personnel from regulatory agencies, ICMR headquarters, industry, and academia. The workshop discussions underscored the need for policy harmonization, enhanced site preparedness, and sustained capacity-building to position India as a leader for early phase clinical research. The present article summarizes the proceeding of the workshop and highlights the critical insights for developing a regulatory and ethical framework to support FIH trials in India.
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