Healthy Skepticism Library item: 10185

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Publication type: Journal Article

Watson R.
Developing countries need stronger ethical guidelines on research
BMJ 2007 May 26; 334:(7603):1076
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/334/7603/1076

Abstract:

The European Commission has begun to work more closely with developing countries to establish high ethical standards for research worldwide. It is examining ways to involve such countries more in drawing up, disseminating, and implementing ethical guidelines that are adapted to their specific circumstances.

Impetus for the initiative came at a two day conference in Brussels last week on ethics, research, and globalisation that brought together 150 delegates from international organisations, governments, research bodies, and academia.

Janez Potoènik, the European Union’s commissioner for science and research, told participants: “Globalisation of research requires better implementation of international ethical guidelines. This is particularly true in areas like health research. But new areas, such as nanomedicine and bio-piracy, also call for new or adapted standards.”

The conference learnt that of the 100 000 clinical trials carried out around the world each year, some 10% occur in developing countries, where patients are readily available, . . .