ICMR invites proposals for clinical studies on medical device and diagnostic technologies under CAR scheme

ICMR invites proposals for clinical studies on medical device and diagnostic technologies under CAR scheme

Posted on November 27, 2024 Updated on November 24, 2024

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced an open call for proposals under its Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) scheme to support clinical studies for medical device and diagnostic technologies developed through the ICMR-DHR-Centre of Excellence (CoEs) programme at various IITs.

This initiative is part of the broader ICMR-Medical Device & Diagnostics Mission Secretariat (MDMS), aimed at advancing high-priority medical devices and diagnostics that are crucial for public health in India.

The CAR scheme seeks proposals from both government and non-government organizations with the necessary infrastructure and expertise to conduct clinical evaluation studies for technologies that have reached a stage requiring validation through clinical trials. These technologies, supported under ICMR’s Medical Device & Diagnostics Mission, are expected to address critical healthcare needs and contribute to the development of safe and effective products for widespread societal benefit.

The call focuses on a range of innovative medical devices and diagnostic technologies, including devices for rehabilitation, cancer treatment, disease detection, and more. Among the highlighted technologies are ArmAble – A game-based upper limb rehabilitation device for stroke patients, AI-enabled platform for cervical cancer screening -Designed to assist pathologists with digital image review for early cancer detection, electrochemotherapy for soft tissues – A device for tumor-specific treatment in cancer care, AI-powered portable platform for cervical cancer screening intended for use in primary care settings, PoC devices for dengue, malaria & sickle cell anaemia designed to provide instant diagnostic results.

Proposals will be accepted for a wide range of clinical evaluation studies, with the aim of validating these technologies and ensuring they meet the regulatory requirements as per the Medical Device Rules, 2017.

The key objectives of the CAR scheme are to establish a robust network for the validation of medical devices and diagnostics in India, promoting innovation and safety and develop safe, effective, and regulatory-compliant technologies that align with the highest standards.

The CAR scheme offers a unique opportunity to advance the clinical evaluation of cutting-edge medical technologies, contributing to the development of solutions that can transform healthcare delivery in India.

The total funding available for each CAR project is up to Rs. 15 crore, with a project duration of 5 years. Successful applicants will be able to carry out clinical studies at well-equipped, state-of-the-art facilities, contributing to the validation and improvement of these technologies for wider application.

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