The need to develop a framework for human-relevant research in India: Towards better disease models and drug discovery
2020
Parvatam, Surat | Bharadwaj, Sham | Radha, Vegesna | Rao, Madhusudhana
The low translational efficiency of animal models to humans, and the development of new-age methodologies that are human-cell based, is fuelling a paradigm change across the globe. In this perspectives paper, we discuss the current state of research, funding, and regulation in these 21st century technologies, including organoids and organ-on-chip in India. Recently, a road-map was drawn by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) regarding alternatives to animals in research in India and it also held a special session in January 2018 to discuss latest developments in new human-relevant model systems. We document the regulatory and research landscape in this field in India. We also discuss the challenges present in this field which include lack of training and skills to handle embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, funding limitations, lack of domestic production of reagents leading to elevated costs, and lack of infrastructure, such as microfabrication facilities. In the end, we provide recommendations to enable innovation and application of human-relevant methodologies to develop India as a key player in this arena globally.
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