The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has announced it will waive local clinical trials for new drugs already approved in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the European Union. This decision, revealed by Union Health Minister Anupriya Patel in response to a question from MP Maddila Gurumoorthy, aims to streamline the approval process for new pharmaceuticals in India while ensuring patient safety through stringent evaluation and post-market surveillance.
The decision aligns with Rule 101 of the New Drugs and Clinical Trials (NDCT) Rules, 2019, which allows the Central Licensing Authority to consider waiving local clinical trials for certain categories of new drugs approved in specified countries. The CDSCO will evaluate each case individually, consulting with the Subject Expert Committee to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of the drugs.
Gurumoorthy raised concerns about the mechanisms in place to monitor the safety and efficacy of drugs introduced without local clinical trials, including post-market surveillance and testing protocols. Minister Patel assured that the CDSCO employs a rigorous evaluation process of submitted data, in line with the NDCT Rules, 2019.
This move is expected to expedite the availability of new drugs in the Indian market, potentially benefiting patients by providing quicker access to innovative treatments. However, the CDSCO emphasizes that it will maintain strict oversight through its expert committees and post-market monitoring to safeguard public health. The decision reflects a balance between facilitating faster access to medicines and ensuring adherence to high standards of safety and efficacy.
