Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com
Author: staff

Piramal Life Sciences, which has developed a Cancer molecule P276 for treatment of head and neck cancer, will shortly begin Phase 2 clinical trials in India.

“This week, we will start the Phase 2 clinical trial of our head and neck cancer molecule following the Drug Controller’s approval,” Piramal Life Sciences Executive Director, Ms Swati Piramal said.

The molecule has undergone successful Phase 1 clinical trial in Canada. Phase 1 trial is the first stage of testing in humans. This phase includes trials designed to assess the safety and tolerability of a drug.

Phase-2 trials are performed on a larger group and are designed to asses how well the drug works as well as to continue Phase 1 safety assessments on a larger group of volunteers and patients.

“We have been ready since February to start Phase 2 trial, but the go ahead came just now,” Ms Piramal said. In developed countries, approvals come in 28 days, she said, adding that in India, it has taken six months.