Innovation & Ethics
A head start through innovation
Ethics in biomedical research
The recent progress in the field of biomedical research (pharmacogenetics, stem cell research, regenerative medicine) has opened up new vistas, but also gives rise to questions concerning the responsible utilization of new technologies and the resulting insights. Other aspects of research – such as necessary and mandatory animal testing – often lead to controversy. We take these concerns as well as suggestions into account and commit to ethical behavior.
High tech reduces animal testing
In the pursuit of specific research questions, alternatives to animal testing – such as cell cultivation – are usually more efficient and cost-saving. A reduced number of test animals gives proof of the increasing utilization of such methods.
However, animal testing cannot be replaced completely. Reactions of the whole organism or complex functions cannot be tested on cell cultures or isolated organs.
v Bayer Schering Pharma participates in the EPAA program for the implementation of the 3R guidelines:
- Reduction (of the number of test animals)
- Refinement (of experimental methods)
- Replacement (of animal testing with other procedures, such as in-vitro technologies).
Furthermore, we participate in national and international research projects for the development and validation of replacement and supplemental methods to animal tesing. This effort has been appreciated by external ranking agencies and has led to the assessment that we are one of the “best performers on animal testing“.
Pharmacogenetics – the key to individualized medicine
In clinical trials of new medications, some patients do not react to the treatment or that they experience severe side effects. Scientists see a reason for this in the genetic variances between patients.
Pharmacogenetics can help in the identification of the genes that cause these different reactions to pharmaceuticals. In this way, patients can benefit because they do not have to undergo ineffective treatment or can expect less side effects.
Pharmacogenetic information may also positively influence the costs and procedures of clinical trials. In addition, cost reductions can be expected for the treatment of patients as a more targeted treatment would be possible and the definition of the correct dosage could be facilitated.
Pharmacogenetic research also raises ethical, legal and social questions. One important point is data protection as well as keeping the collected genetic data confidential.
Targeted therapies with nanotechnology
When you are doing research on, producing or utilizing structures in the dimension of less than 100 nanometers (nm, 1nm = 1 billionth of a meter), you are working in the world of nanotechnology. Already today, it is an important tool in science and technology and offers great potential in different areas.
As a research-oriented company, Bayer Schering Pharma has focussed on nanotechnology at an early point in time. For example, in diagnostic imaging, contrast agents based on nanoparticles have optimized the quality of pictures taken. Formulations based on nanotechnology can also improve the release and bio-availability of active substances, and can lead to a reduction of side effects.
Especially highly effective pharmaceuticals, such as cancer medications, need to be concentrated in the diseased areas of the body in order to protect healthy tissue. To make this kind of targeted therapy work, the spread of the active ingredient needs to be controlled. This can be facilitated with specific substance-containing nanoparticles. These particles are small enough to freely move in even the smallest vessels and cell gaps. At the same time, they can carry molecules on their surface that know exactly where the nanoparticles should become effective, using the key-lock principle.
Bayer Schering Pharma assures the safe and responsible handling of nanomaterials. Bayer AG is a founding member of the working group "Responsible Production and Use of Nanomaterials" in the German Society of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology (DECHEMA). In addition, Bayer participates in the projects "NanoCare" and "Tracer", sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
New chances in therapy with stem cell research
The possibility to cultivate human stem cells allows for completely new medical therapy options. The term stem cell refers to cells derived from adult or embryonic tissue that is capable of proliferation and subsequent differentiation.
Research on human stem cells is currently still in the state of fundamental research. However, it promises great possibilities for the therapy of diseases which, today, cannot be treated sufficiently or at all.
At present, Bayer does not conduct any stem cell research and we do not utilize human embryonic or adult stem cells. However, in general, we believe that research in the field of regenerative medicine should be promoted as research findings may allow the development of new therapies for serious and life-threatening diseases.
