In an attempt to ease norms for testing and introduction of new medicines in the country, the government has taken steps to fast-track approvals for clinical trials as well as launch of drugs already approved in other countries. Pharmaceutical companies planning to launch new drugs already approved outside India after conducting pre-clinical or toxicological studies on animals will not be required to repeat such studies in India for importing or manufacturing them here unless some specific concerns are raised, the Drugs Controller General of India, under the health ministry, said in a latest circular issued this week.
