UPSC GS4 2024

Q. Dr. Srinivasan is a senior scientist working for a reputed biotechnology company known for its cutting-edge research in pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Srinivasan is heading a research team working on a new drug aimed at treating a rapidly spreading variant of a new viral infectious disease. The disease has been rapidly spreading across the world and the cases reported in the country are increasing.
There is huge pressure on Dr. Srinivasan’s team to expedite the trials for the drug as there is significant market for it, and the company wants to get the first-mover advantage in the market.
During a team meeting, some senior team members suggest some shortcut for expediting the clinical trials for the drug and for getting the requisite approvals. These include manipulating data to exclude some negative outcomes and selectively reporting positive results, foregoing the process of informed onsent and using compounds already patented by a rival company, rather than developing one’s own component. Dr. Srinivasan is not comfortable taking such shortcuts, at the same time he realises meeting the targets is impossible without using these means.

a) What would you do in such a situation?
b) Examine your options and consequences in the light of the ethical questions involved.
c) How can data ethics and drug ethics save humanity at large in such a scenario?

UPSC Mains 2024 GS4 Ethics Paper

Model Answer:

a) In this situation, as Dr. Srinivasan, I would:

• Refuse to compromise ethical standards, emphasizing the importance of scientific integrity.

• Propose alternative methods to expedite the process ethically:

– Increasing resources and manpower for the trials

– Collaborating with other research institutions to share data and resources

– Requesting emergency fast-track approval from regulatory bodies while maintaining all safety protocols

• Communicate clearly with company leadership about the risks of unethical shortcuts and their potential long-term consequences.

b) Options and consequences:

1. Following suggested shortcuts:

• Consequences: Potential public health risks, legal liabilities, loss of scientific credibility, and long-term damage to company reputation.

• Ethical issues: Violates principles of scientific integrity, informed consent, and intellectual property rights.

2. Refusing to compromise:

• Consequences: Delayed drug release, potential loss of market advantage, possible professional repercussions.

• Ethical standpoint: Upholds scientific integrity and prioritizes public safety over profit.

3. Seeking a middle ground:

• Approach: Streamline processes without compromising on ethics or safety.

• Ethical consideration: Balances urgency of the situation with maintaining ethical standards.

c) Data ethics and drug ethics can save humanity by:

• Ensuring the safety and efficacy of new drugs through rigorous, unbiased testing.

• Maintaining public trust in scientific institutions and pharmaceutical companies.

• Promoting transparency in research, allowing for peer review and validation.

• Protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation in clinical trials.

• Fostering a culture of responsibility and integrity in scientific research.

• Encouraging the development of truly effective treatments rather than rushed, potentially harmful solutions.

• Safeguarding long-term public health by preventing the release of inadequately tested drugs.

Conclusion: Upholding ethical standards in pharmaceutical research is crucial for public safety, scientific progress, and maintaining trust in healthcare systems.