We adhere to the highest ethical standards in the work that is conducted in our laboratories and in our clinical research with people, across our Family of Companies. We continuously review our research policies to ensure that we effectively balance our drive for innovation with sound ethical practice.
In the laboratory
We are committed to operating our innovative business responsibly in alignment with high ethical and societal norms for all aspects of our scientific research activities. We faithfully adhere to research policies of accepted international standards that address the specific issues of animal welfare, stem cell research and genetically manipulated organisms. Advanced scientific research is essential to the successful discovery and development of new and improved medicines.
Potential medicines proceed through chemical, preclinical, and pharmaceutical development. Some preclinical tests are performed in test tubes and some have to be done on animals. In fact, pharmaceutical companis are required by law to test potential medicines on animals before they can be approved for testing in humans. We are trying to reduce the number of animal experiments needed by, for example, adopting new techniques for measuring the doses of drugs in the human body – too small to cause any harm.
Clinical trials
Janssen sponsors and supports clinical trials in more than 40 countries, allowing for a wide diversity among populations participating in research. We take our responsibility seriously towards the people taking part in our studies and we adhere rigorously to the principles of good clinical practice. Our ‘Ethical Code of Conduct for R&D’ is intended to provide specific standards of conduct and behaviour for physicians, clinical research scientists and others who are responsible for medical aspects of research and development.
Bringing new medicines to life
Clinical trials are the means by which we study the effects of a potential new medicine in people. We investigate the safety and efficacy of the candidate drug, and how it behaves in the body (absorption, distribution, excretion).The new medicine must pass through three clinical stages before it can be launched: healthy volunteers (phase 1) and patients (phase 2 and 3).
Our clinical trials are conducted in strictly controlled settings, and are required before the authorities will approve the treatment. The testing doesn’t stop when the medicine reaches the market. Phase 4 trials are conducted to study the long-term effects of the product. The safety of the drug, any rare side effects and other diseases it may treat are continually monitored in patients around the world.
In the developing world
Our efforts also encompass finding diagnostics, treatments and ways to deliver them where they are needed most. We have committed many resources to the discovery and development of new, improved treatments for infectious diseases that affect the developing world.