ETHICS IN CLINICAL TRIALS: ANALYZING INDIA’S ROLE AS A HUB FOR PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF UNETHICAL PRACTICES

AUTHOR – VIKSHITA POOJARY, INDEPENDENT AUTHOR EMAIL – VIKSHITA.POOJARY1@GMAIL.COM

BEST CITATION – VIKSHITA POOJARY, ETHICS IN CLINICAL TRIALS: ANALYZING INDIA’S ROLE AS A HUB FOR PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF UNETHICAL PRACTICES, ILE MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, 3 (1) OF 2024, PG. 183-188, APIS – 3920-0007 | ISSN – 2583-7230.

Abstract:

Over the past decade, India has emerged as a prime location for clinical trials, attracting pharmaceutical giants due to its vast population, affordable labor, and available expertise. However, this growth has been marred by numerous instances of unethical practices, raising critical questions about the treatment of human subjects in medical research. This essay explores India’s role as a hub for pharmaceutical trials, highlighting cases of exploitation, negligence, and violations of ethical standards in clinical experimentation. By examining landmark cases such as the HPV vaccine trial and the use of mepacrine in unauthorized sterilization, this paper delves into the consequences of these practices on vulnerable populations. It also critiques the shortcomings of legal and regulatory frameworks in ensuring informed consent and participant safety. Ultimately, the essay underscores the urgent need for more robust ethical guidelines and enforcement mechanisms to protect human rights while fostering scientific advancement in clinical research.

Keywords: Clinical trials in India, unethical medical practices, informed consent, pharmaceutical research, ethical guidelines, human experimentation, HPV vaccine trial, mepacrine sterilization, participant rights, regulatory frameworks