South East Asian countries including India, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam are currently in the process of developing standards for the regulatory approval processes for medical devices, drugs and cosmetics.

The Indian medical device and drugs regulatory approval body has made a decision to stop repeat animal testing to grant approval for a new drug. Medical device regulatory consultants noted that, in a recent meeting the chief advisory body of the Indian government, Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has decided to look for an alternative method. The drugs which have complete toxicological data from other countries may not require further toxicology study. Maneka Gandhi, Minster of Women and Child development had earlier written to the Health Minster regarding toxicity studies on animals under Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. It stated that India should respect the other countries data on pre-clinical/toxicity studies and it not necessary for the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), the regulatory body of India to do studies further. READ ALSO: Achievements of the Central Drug Standard Control Organization. 

Investigational New Drug (IND) Committee also suggested if complete date as prescribed is submitted during the application of drug approval the toxicity is not required. They also encouraged to use alternative methods exploreing internationally other than animal studies.  The DTAB agreed to the IND committee after deliberations. India has also banned the cosmetics which was tested animals.