During clinical trials of medicinal products, members of local ethics committees should always consider and assess conflicts of interest, as they may jeopardize the integrity of the study and the protection of the rights and interests of study participants.
In which cases a conflict of interest most often may arise:
- when there is a risk that the interests of persons involved in the research influence their decision and endanger or counteract the main purpose of the research;
- when a real, potential, or perceived conflict arises between responsibilities related to the study and the personal, institutional, or other interests of persons or of the institution participating in the study;
- when there are personal or financial relationships between committee members and the researchers or the sponsor of the research project;
- in cases of potential conflicts of interest with competing research projects.
The Center reminds that all parties involved in a study bear responsibility and must do their utmost to facilitate and comply with measures to prevent, eliminate and resolve conflicts of interest.
Drawing on the best international guidelines and recommendations on research ethics, the Center proposes to consider the following processes:
- disclosure and processing of conflict-of-interest information of the ethics committee members;
- measures worth taking to avoid the risks of a conflict of interest;
- conflict of interest management.
See more details on the Center's website at the link
We remind you that the Center's website recently launched the section "Methodological Support for Ethics Committees", where you can find important information to assist the work of local ethics committees at healthcare institutions.
