This document discusses ethics in clinical research and provides a historical perspective. It summarizes key events that shaped modern research ethics like the Nuremberg trials, Declaration of Helsinki, and Belmont Report. The core ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice are explained. Challenges in clinical research in India like ensuring proper informed consent and oversight by ethics committees are also covered.
Describes in detail definition, purpose, participants and goal of good clinical practices (GCP). Gives history of GCP staring form Nuremberg code in 1948 to implementation of GCP guidance via WHO handbook in 2005. Also describes Nuremberg's code, declaration of Helsinki and Thirteen principles of GCP.
Ethics in Clinical Research and Historical Perspective of Nazi Trials, Nuremb...ShantanuThakre3
What is Ethics ?
The word ‘ethics’ is derived from the Greek word,
ethos, which means custom or character. Ethics is
the systematic study of values, so as to decide
what is right and what is wrong. Ethics is concerned
with what is good for individuals and society.
What is Clinical Research ?
Clinical Research is a branch of healthcare science that determines the safety and effectiveness of medications, devices, diagnostic products and treatment regimens intended for human use. These may be used for prevention, treatment, diagnosis or for relieving symptoms of a disease.
Importance of Ethics in Clinical Research :-
1. Ethics is important in clinical research because it keeps the researcher from committing errors while seeking knowledge and truth.
2. Ethical guidelines for clinical research were formulated only after discovery of inhumane behavior with participants during research experiments.
3. In clinical research human beings are involved, as opposed to animals, atoms or asteroids, as the object of study.
4. It focuses on improving human health and well-being, typically by identifying better methods to treat, cure or prevent illnesses.
5. The Ethics Committee stands as the bridge between the researcher and the ethical guidelines of the country
inform consent form before participate in clinical trials.for purpose of understanding the nature of research,risk,benefits,and decision about participation
The Presentation will take the reader through various ethical issues in biomedical research. It covers topics like The Nuremberg Code, Declaration of Helsinki, Declaration of Geneva, selected code and regulations that guide research with human subjects, etc.
When a new drug/device/surgical procedure/treatment or other potential medical innovation is developed it must be thoroughly tested to ensure that it is safe and does what it is supposed to be.
This presentation will provide a basic overview of clinical research process.
This presentation is a brief overview of ICH-GCP guidelines. Although ICH-GCP is a very vast topic, still this presentation will cover almost all the points. The reader will be able to discuss about the roles and responsibilities of various personnel in clinical trials.
Describes in detail definition, purpose, participants and goal of good clinical practices (GCP). Gives history of GCP staring form Nuremberg code in 1948 to implementation of GCP guidance via WHO handbook in 2005. Also describes Nuremberg's code, declaration of Helsinki and Thirteen principles of GCP.
Ethics in Clinical Research and Historical Perspective of Nazi Trials, Nuremb...ShantanuThakre3
What is Ethics ?
The word ‘ethics’ is derived from the Greek word,
ethos, which means custom or character. Ethics is
the systematic study of values, so as to decide
what is right and what is wrong. Ethics is concerned
with what is good for individuals and society.
What is Clinical Research ?
Clinical Research is a branch of healthcare science that determines the safety and effectiveness of medications, devices, diagnostic products and treatment regimens intended for human use. These may be used for prevention, treatment, diagnosis or for relieving symptoms of a disease.
Importance of Ethics in Clinical Research :-
1. Ethics is important in clinical research because it keeps the researcher from committing errors while seeking knowledge and truth.
2. Ethical guidelines for clinical research were formulated only after discovery of inhumane behavior with participants during research experiments.
3. In clinical research human beings are involved, as opposed to animals, atoms or asteroids, as the object of study.
4. It focuses on improving human health and well-being, typically by identifying better methods to treat, cure or prevent illnesses.
5. The Ethics Committee stands as the bridge between the researcher and the ethical guidelines of the country
inform consent form before participate in clinical trials.for purpose of understanding the nature of research,risk,benefits,and decision about participation
The Presentation will take the reader through various ethical issues in biomedical research. It covers topics like The Nuremberg Code, Declaration of Helsinki, Declaration of Geneva, selected code and regulations that guide research with human subjects, etc.
When a new drug/device/surgical procedure/treatment or other potential medical innovation is developed it must be thoroughly tested to ensure that it is safe and does what it is supposed to be.
This presentation will provide a basic overview of clinical research process.
This presentation is a brief overview of ICH-GCP guidelines. Although ICH-GCP is a very vast topic, still this presentation will cover almost all the points. The reader will be able to discuss about the roles and responsibilities of various personnel in clinical trials.
RMNCH+A is a NEW approach to address the health problems Mother, Newborn, Child & Adolescence simultaneously at different stages of life through 'CONTINUUM OF CARE'.
Hope this presentation will help to have a glimpse of the program.
EMPHNET-PHE Course: Module seven ethical issues in public health research& in...Dr Ghaiath Hussein
This is a series of presentations I gave in the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET)'s Public Health Ethics (PHE) that was held in Amman in June 2014.
This presentation outlines the ethical issues in research, especially the international research in low-middle income countries
How many patients does case series should have In comparison to case reports.pdfpubrica101
Pubrica’s team of researchers and writers create scientific and medical research articles, which may be important resources for authors and practitioners. Pubrica medical writers assist you in creating and revising the introduction by alerting the reader to gaps in the chosen study subject. Our professionals understand the order in which the hypothesis topic is followed by the broad subject, the issue, and the backdrop.
https://pubrica.com/academy/case-study-or-series/how-many-patients-does-case-series-should-have-in-comparison-to-case-reports/
CHAPTER 1 SEMESTER V PREVENTIVE-PEDIATRICS.pdfSachin Sharma
This content provides an overview of preventive pediatrics. It defines preventive pediatrics as preventing disease and promoting children's physical, mental, and social well-being to achieve positive health. It discusses antenatal, postnatal, and social preventive pediatrics. It also covers various child health programs like immunization, breastfeeding, ICDS, and the roles of organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and nurses in preventive pediatrics.
The dimensions of healthcare quality refer to various attributes or aspects that define the standard of healthcare services. These dimensions are used to evaluate, measure, and improve the quality of care provided to patients. A comprehensive understanding of these dimensions ensures that healthcare systems can address various aspects of patient care effectively and holistically. Dimensions of Healthcare Quality and Performance of care include the following; Appropriateness, Availability, Competence, Continuity, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Efficacy, Prevention, Respect and Care, Safety as well as Timeliness.
Telehealth Psychology Building Trust with Clients.pptxThe Harvest Clinic
Telehealth psychology is a digital approach that offers psychological services and mental health care to clients remotely, using technologies like video conferencing, phone calls, text messaging, and mobile apps for communication.
India Clinical Trials Market: Industry Size and Growth Trends [2030] Analyzed...Kumar Satyam
According to TechSci Research report, "India Clinical Trials Market- By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F," the India Clinical Trials Market was valued at USD 2.05 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.64% through 2030. The market is driven by a variety of factors, making India an attractive destination for pharmaceutical companies and researchers. India's vast and diverse patient population, cost-effective operational environment, and a large pool of skilled medical professionals contribute significantly to the market's growth. Additionally, increasing government support in streamlining regulations and the growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases further propel the clinical trials market.
Growing Prevalence of Lifestyle Diseases
The rising incidence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer is a major trend driving the clinical trials market in India. These conditions necessitate the development and testing of new treatment methods, creating a robust demand for clinical trials. The increasing burden of these diseases highlights the need for innovative therapies and underscores the importance of India as a key player in global clinical research.
Navigating Challenges: Mental Health, Legislation, and the Prison System in B...Guillermo Rivera
This conference will delve into the intricate intersections between mental health, legal frameworks, and the prison system in Bolivia. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current challenges faced by mental health professionals working within the legislative and correctional landscapes. Topics of discussion will include the prevalence and impact of mental health issues among the incarcerated population, the effectiveness of existing mental health policies and legislation, and potential reforms to enhance the mental health support system within prisons.
Explore our infographic on 'Essential Metrics for Palliative Care Management' which highlights key performance indicators crucial for enhancing the quality and efficiency of palliative care services.
This visual guide breaks down important metrics across four categories: Patient-Centered Metrics, Care Efficiency Metrics, Quality of Life Metrics, and Staff Metrics. Each section is designed to help healthcare professionals monitor and improve care delivery for patients facing serious illnesses. Understand how to implement these metrics in your palliative care practices for better outcomes and higher satisfaction levels.
Defecation
Normal defecation begins with movement in the left colon, moving stool toward the anus. When stool reaches the rectum, the distention causes relaxation of the internal sphincter and an awareness of the need to defecate. At the time of defecation, the external sphincter relaxes, and abdominal muscles contract, increasing intrarectal pressure and forcing the stool out
The Valsalva maneuver exerts pressure to expel faeces through a voluntary contraction of the abdominal muscles while maintaining forced expiration against a closed airway. Patients with cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, increased intracranial pressure, or a new surgical wound are at greater risk for cardiac dysrhythmias and elevated blood pressure with the Valsalva maneuver and need to avoid straining to pass the stool.
Normal defecation is painless, resulting in passage of soft, formed stool
CONSTIPATION
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Improper diet, reduced fluid intake, lack of exercise, and certain medications can cause constipation. For example, patients receiving opiates for pain after surgery often require a stool softener or laxative to prevent constipation. The signs of constipation include infrequent bowel movements (less than every 3 days), difficulty passing stools, excessive straining, inability to defecate at will, and hard feaces
IMPACTION
Fecal impaction results from unrelieved constipation. It is a collection of hardened feces wedged in the rectum that a person cannot expel. In cases of severe impaction the mass extends up into the sigmoid colon.
DIARRHEA
Diarrhea is an increase in the number of stools and the passage of liquid, unformed feces. It is associated with disorders affecting digestion, absorption, and secretion in the GI tract. Intestinal contents pass through the small and large intestine too quickly to allow for the usual absorption of fluid and nutrients. Irritation within the colon results in increased mucus secretion. As a result, feces become watery, and the patient is unable to control the urge to defecate. Normally an anal bag is safe and effective in long-term treatment of patients with fecal incontinence at home, in hospice, or in the hospital. Fecal incontinence is expensive and a potentially dangerous condition in terms of contamination and risk of skin ulceration
HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids are dilated, engorged veins in the lining of the rectum. They are either external or internal.
FLATULENCE
As gas accumulates in the lumen of the intestines, the bowel wall stretches and distends (flatulence). It is a common cause of abdominal fullness, pain, and cramping. Normally intestinal gas escapes through the mouth (belching) or the anus (passing of flatus)
FECAL INCONTINENCE
Fecal incontinence is the inability to control passage of feces and gas from the anus. Incontinence harms a patient’s body image
PREPARATION AND GIVING OF LAXATIVESACCORDING TO POTTER AND PERRY,
An enema is the instillation of a solution into the rectum and sig
Deep Leg Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Mor...The Lifesciences Magazine
Deep Leg Vein Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in the legs. These clots can impede blood flow, leading to severe complications.
The Importance of Community Nursing Care.pdfAD Healthcare
NDIS and Community 24/7 Nursing Care is a specific type of support that may be provided under the NDIS for individuals with complex medical needs who require ongoing nursing care in a community setting, such as their home or a supported accommodation facility.
One of the most developed cities of India, the city of Chennai is the capital of Tamilnadu and many people from different parts of India come here to earn their bread and butter. Being a metropolitan, the city is filled with towering building and beaches but the sad part as with almost every Indian city
1. Ethics in Clinical research
DR. L S DESHMUKH
DM (Neonatology)
deshmukhls@yahoo.com
2. Disclaimer
• Contents are drawn from various
sources.
• I am not authority / Expert on the topic
• No conflict of Interest
• Constructive criticism is welcome
3. Outline of presentation
• What is Ethics ?
• Why ethics in clinical trials- historical
perspective
• principles of ethics
• Case studies
• Complexities of doing research in India
• Challenges
• The way forward
4. What is Ethics?
• The word 'ethics' is derived from the
Greek word, ethos, which means
custom or character.
• Ethics is the systematic study of
values, so as to decide what is right
and what is wrong.
5. Deontology/Kantian Ethics
• Requires that we treat people as ends
and never simply as means or as
subjects, and never simply as objects.
Text (Desjardins, 2006)
Photo (Buller, 2004)
6. Ethics
• Ethics is a subject that deals with values,
principles, beliefs, and opinions
• Not a natural science but a creation of the
human mind, open to the influence of time,
place, and situation
• A framework to determine what is right and
wrong regarding human action, character, and
behavior
• comes from within, unlike law which regulates
the external behavior
7. The first step in the evolution of
ethics is a sense of solidarity with
other human beings.
— Albert Sweiter
8. Research
• Human subject research is a systematic
investigation that can be either research or
clinically oriented and involves the use of
human subjects in any capacity.
9. Moral problem in clinical research
• The goal of clinical research is generation
of useful knowledge about human health
and illness
• Benefit to participants is not the purpose
of research (although it does occur)
• People are the means to developing
useful knowledge; and are thus at risk of
exploitation
10. Ethics of Clinical Research
• Ethical requirements in clinical
research :
– minimize the possibility of exploitation;
– ensure that the rights and welfare of
subjects are respected
11. History
“Those who do not learn from history are
doomed to repeat it.” George Santayana
12. 1. The Nuremberg Code (1947)
2. The Declaration of Helsinki (1964)
3. U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (1974)
4. The National Research Act and The IRB
System (1974)
5. The Belmont Report (1979)
6. ICMR Guidelines (2000,2006)
History
30. Nuremberg Trials
• Characteristics
– conducted without consent of participants
– caused unnecessary pain, suffering and death
– absence of benefits for the participants
– lack of adequate scientific rationale
31. Nuremberg Code
• The Nuremberg Code is a set of
research ethics principles for human
experimentation set as a result of the
Subsequent Nuremberg Trials at the end
of the Second World War.
• The ten points of the Nuremberg Code
• "the voluntary consent of the human subject
is absolutely essential"
32. The Declaration of Helsinki
• 1964 - Adopted by the 18th World Medical
Assembly (latest version 2008)
• A notable change from the Nuremberg Code
was a relaxation of the conditions of consent
• obtain consent 'if at all possible‘
• introduced the concept of oversight by an
'independent committee” Or ethics committees
33. The Declaration of Helsinki
• "all protocols must be submitted to an ethics
committee for review, which must be
independent of the investigator, the sponsor or
any other kind of undue influence".
35. Tuskegee Syphilis Study
• cited as "arguably the most infamous biomedical
research study in U.S. history”
36. Tuskegee Syphilis Study
• "399 black men thought to have syphilis were
recruited and followed to determine the course
of the disease (what would happen to them).
• Penicillin was known to be an effective
treatment for syphilis by about 1947.
• The subjects were not informed of what was
being studied or of the treatment alternatives
available.
37. Belmont Report
• National Research Act/Belmont Report
1979
• The report established three tenents of
ethical research,
respect for persons,
beneficence and
justice
38. India has strong Ethics guidelines for clinical research
Every clinical trial program should be reviewed by an
ethics committee
– Initial review of proposed research protocols
– Regular monitoring of compliance to ethics guidelines
– Can be constituted by the institute where research is done
– Independent
– multi-disciplinary
– multi-sectorial
Ethics Guidelines in India
39.
40. National Guidelines for
Accreditation, Supervision &
regulation of ART Clinics in
India, 2005
Draft
ICMR DBT Guidelines for
Stem Cell Research and
Therapy, 2006
41. Good Clnical Practices (GCP)
For Clinical Research In India
• Developed by Central Drugs Standard Control
Organisation (CDSCO)
• Components :
- Pre-requisites for the study
- Responsibilities
- Record Keeping and Data Handling
- Quality Assurance
- Statistics
42. Why Ethics in Clinical Research?
• Clinical Trials are an experiment
• With investigational products
• On human beings as participants
• With some additional complexities in
Indian context
43. Three basic principles
• Justice
• Respect for Persons
• Beneficence and non-malaficence
- maximize benefits
- minimize harms and wrongs
- do no harm
Core Principles of Clinical Trial Ethics
45. Essential Elements of Ethical Research
Balance of Risks and Benefits
• Minimize risks to subjects
• Maximize benefits to individual subjects
and to society
• Benefits should be proportional to or
outweigh risks.
Non-maleficence and Beneficence
46. Test on human beings only if
absolutely essential
Does all current research
certify that the drug is safe?
Essentiality
47. Provide remuneration to test subjects
Inform subjects about all potential side
effects and risks
Ensure ample compensation for accidental
injury
Insurance, Rehabilitation, Life-long support
Non-Exploitation
48. Inform subjects about the extent to which
personal info would be disclosed
Do not divulge identity and records of test
subjects as far as possible
Do not Provide information which will
allow identity to be guessed
Privacy & Confidentiality
49. Design the study such that risks
to the subjects is minimized
Ensure there are no adverse side
effects
Precaution
50. Balancing principles
• Balancing the need for a rigorous design
with the obligation to maximize benefits
and minimize harms
– Equipoise
– Randomization
– Choice of control
– Example: Randomized Controlled Trials
51. Choice of control
• “The benefits, risks, burdens and effectiveness
of a new method should be tested against those
of the best current prophylactic, diagnostic, and
therapeutic methods.”
(Helsinki 2000)
52. Clinical Equipoise ?
• “Genuine uncertainty within the
scientific community...” about the
comparative merits of intervention ‘A’
and ‘B’
(Freedman, 1987)
53. Professional Competence
All personnel involved in trials
should be trained and qualified
A strong sense of ethics essential
for personnel
Competence
54. No aspect of the study should be hidden Except
for privacy reasons
Prior disclosure of all conflicts of interest
Maintain permanent records of all research data
and notes
Fix responsibility for the study and its outcomes
Burden of Proof is always with those who
conduct the trial
Transparency & Accountability
55. Benefits of research should be equally distributed
Research on genetics should not lead to racial
inequalities
Do not conduct research on economically weak
sections to create advantage for those that are better off
Avoid implicit coercion
Do not enroll people at a disadvantage in the study
- Prisoners / Students / Subordinates/Employees
Ensure complete freedom of choice when they are
enrolled
Distributive Justice
56. Distributive justice
- the local study populations will not
significantly benefit from the research if the
new therapies will not be affordable to
them, although they are taking a higher
proportion of the risk.
Distributive justice is violated
57. Patient rights
• Use in the country after approval
- drug is marketed only in the affluent
countries
- insist on drug would be released in
India also at a price that is reasonable
58. Patient rights
Vulnerability of patients in a trial
• money paid
• health care to the family
• free medicines at the hospital
• Free diagnostic tests
• counter to the cardinal principle of autonomy
• not be compelled or unfairly enticed to
participate
• truly a free choice?
59. Patient rights
Patients enrolled in clinical trials when
trials are closed
• numbers are completed because of
recruitment of patients in other countries
• important to ensure that all persons in the
trial receive their drugs
• should be a built-in safeguard when
approving a clinical trial
60. Patient rights
Access to drugs
- Participants cannot afford the Drug
• should be able to obtain at a reduced price or
entirely free.
Information
• No information is ever provided about the
outcome
• Must be provided not only to the participants
of the trials but also to the community.
61. Patient rights
Use of the placebo
• unethical to give a placebo to a group of
patients when there is a drug available to
cure
• no role for a placebo in conditions for
which there is already an effective drug
• e.g. evaluation of new drugs for diabetes
Chaudhury R R , ICMR
62. Single-dose perinatal nevirapine plus standard zidovudine to
prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 in Thailand
• The study was designed to test the superiority of
nevirapine-nevirapine regimen over the placebo-
placebo regimen
• Critics: Use of placebo unethical
• Supporters: Poor countries can anyway never
afford the expensive AZT regimen and the
shorter treatments were needed
• argued for “local standard of care”, In this case it
was “absence of care”
New Engl Jr Med 2004; 351: 217-28.
63. Pregnant/Nursing Women
Only for research to better the health of
pregnant/nursing women, foetus or infants
Ensure that there is no risk to foetus or infant
Special Groups
64. Children
Only trials for drugs to improve child health
Only conduct trials on children after phase 3 clinical
trials on adults
Exception: drugs for diseases only affecting children
Consent from parents and/or legal guardians
Consent from child in the case of mature minors and
adolescents
Except where parents have given consent and there is
no other medical alternative to the tested therapy
Special Groups
65. Research Involving Children (1977);
The Belmont Report (1979)
Respect for Children
Declaration of Helsinki (2000)
• Obtain informed consent from parent
• If child capable, obtain assent
The National Commission (1977, 1979)
• Parental Permission (but within limits)
Protect child’s health and safety (i.e., beneficence)
• Child Assent (not as a right, but a benefit)
Nurture child’s moral growth and developing autonomy
66. Two Pillars of Ethics
• Informed Consent Process
• Institutional Ethics Committees
69. Informed Consent
Subjects should consent to participate in the
study
Subjects should be fully informed about the
objectives of the study
Subjects have the right to withdraw at any point
during study
No refund of remuneration should be demanded on early
withdrawal
Informed consent
70. Informed consent- Indian situation
• Getting informed consent difficult in developing
countries
• 30% each consented after full or partial disclosure
• Significant gender difference with fewer females
consenting to participate (P=0.043)
• Understanding of consent poor
B Gitanjali et al JPGM 2003; 49: 109-113.
71. ETHICS COMMITEE
Independent review of clinical research
ensures the public that investigator biases
have not distorted the approach, that ethical
requirements have been fulfilled, and that
subjects will not be exploited.
Minimize conflict of interest
Public Accountability
72. Ethics committee members
1. Chair person, preferably from outside the
institution
2. 1-2 basic medical scientists
3. 1-2 clinicians from various institutes
4. One legal expert or retired judge
5. One social scientist
6. One philosopher or ethicist
7. One lay person from community
8. Member secretary
73. Criteria for IEC Review
• Risks … are minimized.
• Risks are justified by anticipated benefits,
• Subjects will be selected and treated fairly
• Informed consent is adequate
74. Reporting ethical processes in Indian journals
• Research articles of 2006 published in Indian Pediatr
and Ind J Peds analyzed
• N = 132, 98 studies prospective
• 39 (29.53%) reported ethical approval
• 46/98 (46.94%) mentioned informed consent from
parents or guardians
• 54/98 (55.1%) studies enrolled children, 8 (14.81%)
mentioned assent
• 4 (7.41%) studies reported ethics committee
approval, Informed consent and assent
Bavdekar SB & Gogtay NJ.
75. WHO-ICMR study on status of Ethics
Committees in India
• Many institutions do not have IECs
• Many do not have written SOPs
• Paucity of trained personnel to work for EC
• Lack of training facilities for EC members
• Variability in quality of ethical review
• No regulation/ registration/ accreditation
• Lack of time for monitoring
76. Medical research in India
• unrelated to the country’s major health
problems.
• “little influence” on health care delivery.
• scant regard for standard ethical guidelines
• problem in defining local priorities
77. Clinical Trials Registry of India
• launched in July 2007
• editors of 12 Indian biomedical journal
• encourages the registration of all clinical
trials
• meant to bring transparency
• publication of a trial only if it has been
previously registered.
• no legal requirement to register a trial
78. Clinical Trials
• Phase I - Human Pharmacology
• Phase II - Therapeutic exploratory trials
• Phase III - Therapeutic confirmatory
trials
• Phase IV - Post Marketing Trials
79. Trials in India - Concerns
• Lack of formal training in bioethics and
research methodology
• heavy burden of clinical duties
• sub-optimal administrative support
• a lack of regulation of private trials
• Variation in requirements for informed
consent
• Lack of proper ethics review.
80. Trials in India - Concerns
• quality of clinical research,
• timelines for regulatory approval,
• deficiencies in the functioning of the
ethics committees
• an unethical approach to the
recruitment of trial subjects
81. Trials in India - Concerns
Limited awareness amongst investigators
-Do all studies require EC clearance?
-What documents need to be submitted?
-Can EC look at scientific aspects as well?
-Requirements for Regulatory clearances
82. Gardasil Trial - India
• HPV vaccine trial (AP & Gujrat ) 2010
• marketed in India by MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt
Ltd.
• four deaths and complications among 120 girls
• The vaccine has been approved for adult women
aged 27, without any trials on them.
• No Phase III trials in adults before use in children
• scientific logic and ethical guidelines violated at
each step
83. Trials in India - Concerns
Unethical and dubious ?
• trials to develop a contraceptive vaccine
• cervical dysplasia (a pre-cancerous
condition) untreated to study the progress of
the disease
• trials on quinacrine sterilisation
• trial of ‘anti-cancer’ cure conducted in
Calcutta in 2000.
84. Trials in India – Preferred Destination?
• a technically competent workforce
• patient availability,
• low costs
• a friendly drug-control system.
85. Trials in India- The benefits
• participation by Indian researchers and
clinicians
• platform for carrying out clinical trials
• creating expertise
• increasing job opportunities
• bringing resources into the country.
( ? 2.2 billion US dollars by 2015 )
86. Challenges - 1
• Research Ethics: A new specialty
• Informed Consent: Several inherent difficulties
-Illiteracy, too many languages, lack of time for health
professionals to explain
• Bioethics education: Not in the curriculum
• Boom in clinical research has not been matched by
regulatory reform and ethical practices
87. Challenges- 2
Group 1 No major feasibility issues. Singapore
Capable of hosting Hong Kong
GCP trials
Group 2 Minor barriers that can be Taiwan
easily overcome. Thailand
Group 3 Significant feasibility China, Japan
issues But solutions India, Malaysia
can be found. Philippines
Group 4 Major barriers. Very difficult Indonesia,
to conduct studies in the Korea, Vietnam
near term. Myanamar
Proceedings of DIA International Symposium Taipei,
Taiwan October 2-3, 1998
88. Challenges- 4
Ethics Committees
• No funds allocated to EC
• Space crunch: Documentation and archiving
difficult
• Infrequent Meetings
• Limited resources for monitoring studies
• Not all research studies undergo review
89. Complexities in Indian context
• Developing country
• Socio-economic considerations
• Healthcare availability and access
• Literacy and education status
• Conflicts of interest
• “Guinea pig” perception
• Questions about clinical trials in India
• Acceptability of Indian data
• Issues of post trial access
90. Pluses
• By 2010, it is estimated that a fifth of all
global studies will be done in India
Why?
-Rx naïve patients
-Highly skilled GCP trained investigators ?
-Excellent technological infrastructure
-Lower costs of drug development
-Fast regulatory approvals ?
The Lancet 2007; 369: 1233
91. Pharma: Assets (?ethics)
• Pharmaceutical company assets may exceed many
nations’ Gross Domestic Product
– The current global drug market is $520 billion
• Governments and officials kowtow to the power and
money
• “Democracy” transforms into Corporate Feudalism
• Science turned into a marketing tool
| www.plosmedicine.org June 2007 | Volume 4 | Issue 6 | e184
93. Regulations
• Ethical Guidelines into Law (like US)
• Training in ethics at UG & OG level
• Involvement of UG students in
observational Research
94. Power of the People
• Democracy only works with Civil Society’s
full engagement
• The hegemony of Greed must be stopped
• Can NGOs/Civil Society conduct our own
clinical studies?
• Non-violence in the face of violence
• Engage and involve stakeholders
95. Life has become complex
RReellii ggiioonn MMoorraa lliittyy EEtthh iiccss LL aaww
TTaabb ooooss TTrraaddii ttiioonnss CCuusstt oommss
Ethics has always been in the gray zone
– 256 shades of Gray
96. Resources
• The Helsinki Declaration reflects international values.
http://www.wma.net/e/
• The Nuremburg Code:
http://www.nihtraining.com/ohsrsite/guidelines/nuremberg.html
• Belmont Report:
http://ohsr.od.nih.gov/guidelines/belmont.html
• Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences
http://www.cioms.ch/
• Indian GCP for clinical trials
http://cdsco.nic.in/html/GCP.htm
• Indian biomedical research ethics guidelines available at:
ICMR Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research