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Ethical Issues to Consider
While the results of genetic research
can increase our knowledge, promote health and treat
illness, there are ethical concerns to be considered.
GlaxoSmithKline is deeply committed to handling these
issues appropriately and in accordance with national
and international standards and guidelines.
Ethics involves principles that guide
how genetic research, like all human research, is conducted
and how the application of that research in real-life
situations should be handled.
These principles are used to develop guidelines
to help ensure that the dignity, rights, safety and
well-being of people who participate in research are
promoted and protected.
GSK complies with national and international
guidelines in an effort to conduct credible research
and to adequately protect those who participate in it.
Our efforts include:
- Consultation with ethicists on the development of
appropriate study protocols, consent forms and other
ethical issues that arise.
- Obtaining Institutional Review Board and Ethics
Committee approval prior to conducting human research.
- Provision of informational brochures and videotapes
to physicians, review boards and research participants.
- Obtaining informed consent from research participants
that is consistent with international guidelines.
We recognize the vital importance of addressing
ethical issues and protecting the well-being of our
research participants. Without their cooperation, it
would be almost impossible for us to discover and develop
better and safer medicines.
GSK devotes significant attention to anticipating
and researching potential ethical dilemmas related to
genetic research and to developing, implementing, evaluating
and revising ethical policies and guidelines.
GSK is actively involved in addressing
and exchanging views on ethics issues in human research
with other pharmaceutical companies and organizations
that share similar interests.
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