Pharma stocks were up as the government plans to waive clinical trials for proven drugs.

Nifty pharma index climbed as much as 1.2 per cent, after falling for eight sessions in 10.

Lupin Ltd rose as much as 2.2 per cent, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd climbed up to 1.8 per cent, and Cipla Ltd gained as much as 1.1 per cent.

The Union Government plans to waive local clinical trials for drugs that have proved their efficacy in developed markets, according to a mediar report, citing government officials.

The drugs should have been approved and marketed for at least two years in the European Union, UK, United States, Australia, Canada and Japan, the report said.

The move is expected to reduce the time taken by a company to introduce new drugs in the market from five-six years to as few as 45 days, the report added.

Up to Wednesday's close, the Nifty pharma index had declined 7.9 per cent this year.