India is fast gaining recognition as an important global centre for clinical trials following the introduction of patent protection laws. Clinical trials are conducted by pharmaceutical and drug development companies to test the safety of a newly invented drug as well as to find out any possible side effects of such products. The trials involve volunteers who are recruited after properly informing them about the pros and cons of participating in such events. A clinical trial usually involves three phases, namely phases one, two and three, that help to greatly reduce the overall research and development expenses of pharma companies. Clinical trials require strict monitoring by ethical committees and are subject to various laws and regulations. In India, a number of contract research organizations (CROs) are appointed by pharmaceutical companies to conduct such trials. However, of late, the industry has faced a lot of criticism over certain ethical violations that have occurred while conducting such trials. Such issues need to be promptly addressed for further development of the clinical trials industry within the country. Hide this