كيف تسيطر شركات خاصة على أخلاقيات أبحاث الأدوية ؟

It is supposed that independent ethical review boards protect participants in drug trials from unacceptable risks. However, a report by The New York Times revealed financial ties between pharmaceutical companies and the review boards themselves, raising widespread concerns about the integrity of these boards.

The Dominance of Private Money

Review boards that were once non-profit institutions in universities and hospitals have now transformed into commercial entities owned by private companies. This new model accelerates the approval processes but opens the door to conflicts of interest.

Weak Laws and Oversight

Regulatory bodies lack sufficient capacity to monitor these boards, as the system heavily relies on self-regulation. This situation may jeopardize patient safety amid the intense competition for rapid approvals.

Lessons from Past Trials

Pharmaceutical scandals such as the "Ketek" case, which led to fatalities after questionable approvals, have demonstrated the fragility of the system and the importance of the independence of review boards.

Investment in Corporate Interests

Private companies invest in all stages of drug trials, from designing the trials to reviewing them, raising questions about the separation between oversight and commercial interests.