Consultation paper on pharmacogenetics

Press Release

19 November 2002

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics today issued a consultation paper on the ethical issues raised by the development of personalised medicines (or pharmacogenetics)

People often respond differently to the same medicine. Some medicines are not effective for everyone; others may cause adverse side-effects, or even death. These different responses may be partly due to our different genetic make-up. Research in pharmacogenetics investigates how genetic variation between individuals affects their responses to medicine.

New report tackles controversial research into genes and behaviour

Press Release

2 October 2002

Embryos should not be selected for behavioural traits such as intelligence on the basis of genetic information, according to a Report published today (2 October) by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics. The report, Genetics and human behaviour: the ethical context, looks at ethical, legal and social issues that are raised by research into behavioural genetics.

Nuffield Council on Bioethics urges caution in patenting DNA

Press Release

23 July 2002

Patents involving DNA sequences should be the exception rather than the rule, according to a paper published today (23 July 2002) by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics. The Discussion Paper, The ethics of patenting DNA, recommends a number of significant changes to the way that patents are granted involving DNA sequences.

Expert group launches report on the ethics of research related to healthcare in developing countries

Press Release

24 April 2002

Medical research in developing countries that is funded by organisations in wealthy countries is crucial but it must be subject to rigorous ethical safeguards, according to a report published today by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics.