Most medications prescribed in India today come from clinical trials done in the West. While this works for many, it often overlooks the unique Indian bodies, diets, and lifestyles. This gap has caught the attention of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). They’ve decided it’s time to prioritize clinical trials that reflect Indian populations. According to a report by NDTV, this move aims to create local evidence to better manage rising lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart issues.
For years, modern medicine has leaned heavily on data gathered in Europe and North America. The guidelines and treatment methods are often based on these studies. But can we truly apply this to a country of 1.4 billion with different genetics and eating habits?
There’s a condition often described as “thin-fat” in India. Even with a normal body mass index (BMI), many Indians may have high levels of visceral fat, which puts them at risk for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, sometimes at a much younger age.
The ICMR’s new approach suggests that if the biological profile varies, then the medical evidence must also change.
India’s Lifestyle Disease Crisis
A recent analysis from the ICMR shows that about 56.4% of India’s disease burden comes from unhealthy eating and lifestyle choices. Currently, over 101 million Indians have diabetes, with another 136 million at risk of developing it, as per the ICMR-India Obesity and Overweight study.
While lifestyle diseases often hit individuals in their 50s in developed nations, Indians face these issues by their mid-40s. Non-communicable diseases like heart disease and cancer now account for over 61% of deaths in India.
Changes Under the New ICMR Mandate
The ICMR’s mandate calls for multicenter trials in at least five hospitals, with government funding of up to ₹8 crore for each study. The key goals include:
- Identifying effective therapies for Indian populations
- Making treatments affordable and accessible in public health
- Decreasing out-of-pocket expenses for families
- Aligning prescriptions with the unique metabolic and hormonal needs of Indian people
If you live with diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or a similar condition, this new focus may lead to treatments designed specifically for you, based on local data. This could mean more accurate dosages, better risk assessments, and potentially fewer side effects.
In summary, as India tackles its growing healthcare challenges, the move to localize clinical trials marks a significant step toward personalized medicine that respects the distinct needs of its population. This initiative could reshape how many Indians receive care in the future.
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