The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued an open call for proposals under its Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) scheme to support clinical studies for cutting-edge medical devices and diagnostic technologies. These technologies have been developed through the ICMR-DHR-Centre of Excellence (CoE) programme at various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
This initiative forms part of the ICMR-Medical Device & Diagnostics Mission Secretariat (MDMS), which aims to advance high-priority medical technologies addressing public health needs in India.
The CAR scheme invites proposals from government and non-government organizations equipped with the necessary infrastructure and expertise to conduct clinical evaluation studies. These evaluations focus on technologies that have matured to a stage requiring validation through clinical trials. Developed under ICMR’s Medical Device & Diagnostics Mission, these innovations aim to address critical healthcare challenges and deliver safe and effective solutions for broader societal impact.
Focus Areas and Technologies
The CAR initiative targets diverse medical and diagnostic technologies, including innovations in rehabilitation, cancer care, disease detection, and more. Highlighted technologies include:
ArmAble: A game-based upper limb rehabilitation device designed for stroke patients.
AI-enabled cervical cancer screening platform: Assists pathologists in early cancer detection through digital image analysis.
Electrochemotherapy device for soft tissue tumors: Provides tumor-specific treatment for cancer care.
Portable AI-based cervical cancer screening device: Designed for primary care settings to enhance accessibility.
Point-of-Care (PoC) devices for dengue, malaria, and sickle cell anemia: Delivers instant diagnostic results to improve timely care.
The CAR scheme aims to:
Establish a strong framework for validating medical devices and diagnostics in India.
Promote innovation while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Support the development of technologies meeting the standards set under the Medical Device Rules, 2017.
Proposals are sought for clinical evaluation studies to validate these technologies, ensuring they align with safety and efficacy standards required for regulatory approval.
Funding and Duration
Each selected project under the CAR scheme is eligible for funding of up to ₹15 crore, with a maximum duration of five years. Successful applicants will conduct clinical studies at advanced facilities, contributing to the development and refinement of technologies for wider application in healthcare.
As reported by pharmabiz.com, the initiative offers a vital platform to accelerate the clinical validation of innovative medical technologies, fostering solutions that can significantly enhance healthcare delivery across India.