Despite clinical trials coming under scrutiny, nothing much has changed on ground as many irregularities continue to exist. While the office of the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) is still struggling to accumulate data, compensation had been paid only in 50 per cent of the clinical trial death cases so far, sources said.

According to data from the drug controller's office, between January 2005 and June 2012, there were 80 deaths due to clinical trials. However, compensation has been paid in only 40 cases pertaining to 2008-2011. Pharmaceutical companies are yet to pay compensation to victims of trials during 2005-08, and for those who died in 2012.