Module 3 Original Discussion Assignment V
Business Ethics
Vernina Ali
Module 3 Original Discussion Assignment
In recent years, it has become an increasingly popular practice for drug companies to perform their clinical testing of new drugs in foreign countries that might not have the consumer protections or product liability laws present in the United States.
Are drug companies that test experimental drugs in foreign countries acting ethically?
Drug companies that test experimental drugs in foreign countries are acting unethically. Based on the utilitarianism theory, testing experimental drugs is unethical. Based on Shaw and Barry (2013), the utilitarianisms moral doctrine states that “we should always act to produce the greatest possible balance of good over bad for everyone affected by our actions.” In these foreign companies, the individuals who are being experimented on are not aware of the consequences or side effects that could come out of taking these medications in the long haul. The article titled “Health-Asia: Ethics in Outsourcing Drug Trials Questioned,” explains that by doing the clinical trials in foreign countries, the drug companies and manufacturers are “exploiting the healthy who are strapped for cash and the sick who seek cheap or free remedies.” The utilitarianism theory says that we should act to produce the greatest happiness, however is it worth putting individuals at risk in order to achieve happiness for the majority of people? The act utilitarian can argue that the trial of experimental drugs to a few individuals can bring more net good to the masses.
Is American industry at too much risk of lawsuits to remain competitive? Should companies trying to develop drugs be given immunity from lawsuits?
I do not believe that the American industry is at too much risk lawsuits to remain competitive. There will always be lawsuits in America regardless of any situation. Lawsuits will remain a consistent thing of the American culture for multiple reasons, but most importantly
Vernina Ali
Module 3 Original Discussion Assignment
In recent years, it has become an increasingly popular practice for drug companies to perform their clinical testing of new drugs in foreign countries that might not have the consumer protections or product liability laws present in the United States.
Are drug companies that test experimental drugs in foreign countries acting ethically?
Drug companies that test experimental drugs in foreign countries are acting unethically. Based on the utilitarianism theory, testing experimental drugs is unethical. Based on Shaw and Barry (2013), the utilitarianisms moral doctrine states that “we should always act to produce the greatest possible balance of good over bad for everyone affected by our actions.” In these foreign companies, the individuals who are being experimented on are not aware of the consequences or side effects that could come out of taking these medications in the long haul. The article titled “Health-Asia: Ethics in Outsourcing Drug Trials Questioned,” explains that by doing the clinical trials in foreign countries, the drug companies and manufacturers are “exploiting the healthy who are strapped for cash and the sick who seek cheap or free remedies.” The utilitarianism theory says that we should act to produce the greatest happiness, however is it worth putting individuals at risk in order to achieve happiness for the majority of people? The act utilitarian can argue that the trial of experimental drugs to a few individuals can bring more net good to the masses.
Is American industry at too much risk of lawsuits to remain competitive? Should companies trying to develop drugs be given immunity from lawsuits?
I do not believe that the American industry is at too much risk lawsuits to remain competitive. There will always be lawsuits in America regardless of any situation. Lawsuits will remain a consistent thing of the American culture for multiple reasons, but most importantly