As one of the world’s largest sponsors of clinical trials, Pfizer works to discover and develop innovative, safe, and effective ways to treat and prevent some of the world’s most challenging diseases. And as a world leader in pharmaceutical research, we are committed to the safety of patients who take part in our clinical trials and upholding the highest ethical standards in all of our research initiatives. We regularly review and update our policies on conducting ethical research in order to keep pace with the increasing complexity and sophistication of clinical trials.
All Pfizer clinical research is conducted in accordance with longstanding ethical and clinical guidelines such as the Nuremburg Code (1947) and the Belmont Report (1979). Pfizer's research is consistent with guidelines such as the International Conference on Harmonization Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (1996) and the PhRMA Principles on a Conduct of Clinical Trials (2002). Like other pharmaceutical companies, we have adopted detailed internal procedures for providing research participants with key information on the clinical trial, including potential risks and benefits of participation, as well as procedures governing the monitoring of the clinical trial by an outside group of experts to ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of participants.
We recognise, however, that there are some aspects of clinical research for which ethical standards are continuing to evolve. To address these evolving issues, Pfizer has created a number of policy statements that govern the conduct of our clinical trials around the world. In addition, a cross-divisional group made up of colleagues throughout Pfizer analyses emerging and evolving clinical trial issues on an on-going basis and develops new policies, as appropriate.
Thus far, we have created policy statements on the following topics, which are available on the Pfizer US web site. Please note the links below are provided for convenience, and that Pfizer Ltd is not responsible for the content of these linked pages:
Policy on Global Clinical Trial Standards
This policy outlines Pfizer standards for the conduct of clinical trials globally.
Policy on Registration of Studies, Public Disclosure of Results, and Authorship
Learn more about Pfizer's policy on the disclosure or publication of clinical trial results.
Policy on Compensation to Investigators in Clinical Trials
Learn how Pfizer addresses the issue of potential financial conflicts of interest faced by physician-investigators.
Policy on Compensation to Human Research Subjects in Clinical Studies
Learn about Pfizer’s position regarding compensation of both patients and healthy research subjects during the conduct of Pfizer-sponsored clinical trials.
Policy on Compassionate Use
This policy is designed to strike a balance between the public interest in securing the approval of a new drug and the fair treatment of critically ill patients.
Policy on Stem Cell Research
Review Pfizer’s commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards when dealing with the evolving issues surrounding stem cell research.
Policy on Laboratory Animal Care
Learn how Pfizer works to ensure the safety and ethical treatment of animals used for research purposes.