The new rights of vulnerable individuals and populations in the context of medical research with placebos

Abstract

The rights of vulnerable populations, in particular the populations of developing countries, who take part in biomedical research are the subject of debates, taken into account in the revision of the declaration of Helsinki in October 2000. However, a consensus has not appeared yet, and the thinking continues. This text discusses three particular aspects which appear to be essential. They concern the legitimacy of the research, the choice of reference treatment, and informed consent to participation. Beyond these particular aspects, a constant element in the proposed improvement is the strengthening of the ability to assess the ethical aspects of research in the very countries where it is carried out.