CIOMS cited

01/10
2025

A scoping review of empirical research on research ethics board membership and expertise

The main research question of this scoping review was: What empirical research exists on how research ethics boards (REBs) identify and train members and ensure they have adequate expertise to review research protocols? The authors found a small and diverse body of literature from around the world. They summarized findings in four themes: scientific expertise; ethical, legal and regulatory training and expertise; diversity of identity and perspectives; and engagement with research participant perspectives. Studies reviewed identified issues for all aspects of membership expertise and training. The authors of this study echo the calls of many of the authors of studies they reviewed: namely, education and support for all REB members needs to improve.
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03/10
2025

Post-marketing safety evaluation of Guhong Injection: a multicenter, prospective real-world study of 30,000 cases in China

The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence, nature, and clinical manifestations of adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reactions associated with Guhong Injection, and to provide evidence for the safe clinical use of this drug. The overall AE rate of Guhong Injection was classified as uncommon according to CIOMS guidelines.
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07/10
2025

Research involving humans in Brazil: a bioethical and historical perspective

This article analyzes the historical evolution of Brazilian ethical regulations on research involving humans. It is a qualitative, document-based study with a historical-critical approach, comparing national regulatory frameworks with key international ethical research guidelines. Although the new law represents legal progress, significant criticisms remain, particularly regarding participant protection and the independence of research ethics committees. The study concludes that the new regulation requires adjustments to address gaps related to bureaucratization of processes and the autonomy of Brazilian ethical bodies. It recommends streamlining administrative procedures, strengthening the independence of research ethics committees and the National System of Research Ethics, and aligning Brazilian legislation with best international practices to ensure effective and continuous protection of research participants.
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04/11
2025

Ethics in clinical trials

This is a review of the ethical structure underlying clinical testing. It describes the chronological development of this field, with the crucial milestones—the Nuremberg Code, the Declaration of Helsinki, and the Belmont Report—all of which recognize three basic principles: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. The authors underline informed consent, confidentiality, and privacy as being critically important, while also mentioning historical violations of ethics as a justification for rigorous oversight in research practices. They consider different  regulatory frameworks, such as ICH GCP, guidelines by CIOMS, WHO standards, and roles of national regulatory authorities like FDA, EMA, and CDSCO. They also discuss the complexities regarding informed consent, especially in vulnerable populations, ethical dilemmas around placebo use, and randomization of trials, and also addresses new trial designs, issues related to data privacy and post-trial obligations. They conclude with a recommendation for continuous education in ethics and the elaboration of unified ethical standards internationally, and underscore that compliance with established guidelines is vital for participant protection and responsible medical knowledge acquisition.
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05/11
2025

Clinical trial safety surveillance in Africa: experts’ perspectives on current practices and opportunities

Clinical trial (CT) safety surveillance is critical to protecting participants and ensuring reliable evidence on the safety and efficacy of new medical products. This is especially relevant in Africa, where CT activity remains limited, regulatory maturity varies, and drug safety surveillance systems are under-resourced despite considerable demographic advantages and genetic and cultural diversity. To assess the current state of CT safety surveillance in Africa, a landscape analysis of the systems for clinical trial safety data reporting, collation, and analysis was conducted. Despite challenges, opportunities exist to strengthen CT safety surveillance through digitization of reporting systems, harmonization of serious adverse event forms, regional collaboration, and capacity building for strengthening the ecosystem. The results of this landscape analysis provide a roadmap for building a coordinated model for pre-licensure safety monitoring across the continent.
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