ICMR launches first-in-human trials for Zika, Flu, Blood Cancer treatments

New Delhi: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced a significant advancement in healthcare, formalizing agreements with multiple sponsors to conduct first-in-human Phase 1 trials for four promising molecules. This marks a major milestone in India’s medical research, aimed at tackling diseases like Zika, flu, and multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

Rise of infections during monsoon season

As the monsoon season brings a surge in infections like dengue, malaria, and the Zika virus, the urgency to develop treatments becomes critical. The Zika virus, in particular, has drawn global attention for its severe health risks, especially to pregnant women and their unborn children. In response to this growing threat, the ICMR has taken the initiative to advance clinical trials aimed at creating effective vaccines and treatments.

What are first-in-human trials?

First-in-human trials refer to the initial phase of clinical testing where new drugs or treatments are tested on humans for the very first time. After undergoing extensive laboratory and animal testing, these treatments enter Phase 1 trials, which primarily focus on evaluating safety, dosage, and potential side effects. The ICMR’s Phase 1 trials aim to assess the viability of these new treatments before moving forward to larger-scale testing.

Collaborative efforts in vaccine development

In a key collaboration, ICMR has partnered with Hyderabad-based Indian Immunologicals to develop a vaccine against the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne infection. Another crucial partnership is with Mynvax, a Bengaluru-based company, for the trial of a vaccine designed to combat seasonal infections and the flu. These collaborations aim to bolster India's capacity for vaccine development and preparedness in the face of emerging viruses.

Tackling blood cancer with new therapies

Apart from infectious diseases, the ICMR is also working on innovative cancer treatments. The research body is collaborating with Bengaluru-based Aurigene Oncology to conduct trials on a small molecule designed to treat multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that primarily affects plasma cells. Additionally, a partnership with Navi Mumbai-based ImmunoACT is set to explore CAR-T cell therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that modifies a patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer.

Boosting India’s clinical trial capacity

According to ICMR, these collaborations are part of a larger strategy to enhance India's ability to conduct early-phase clinical trials. The research organization aims to leverage the country's robust infrastructure and skilled personnel at each trial site to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of these trials.

The launch of these trials represents a significant step forward in India’s medical research landscape, with the potential to make groundbreaking advancements in the treatment of Zika, flu, and multiple myeloma.