There is a need to create a system to conduct clinical trials, according to M.K. Bhan, former secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.

Speaking to newspersons on the sidelines of BioAsia here on Monday, he said the on-going debate on clinical trials was 'more destructive'.

There was no way a drug could be used except through an evidence-based method involving clinical trials, he said.

Even though there could be issues, the present treatment being given to the clinical trials was worse than the problem, Bhan said.

“We need to create competencies for clinical trials in the form of better regulation, funding and right human resources,” he said.

The clinical trials was not a huge business as being seen and worth only less than Rs 400 crore, he said.

Referring to the concerns expressed by the Supreme Court on clinical trials, Bhan said it was done in public interest but a mechanism should be evolved.

>naga.gunturi@thehindu.co.in

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