BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES AND BIOETHICS
 
Biomedical Sciences
 
What are Biomedical Sciences?
 
The biomedical sciences include biology, medicine and all other disciplines relevant to the research and development of products and services that benefit human health. This includes, for example, healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology.
 
Biomedical Sciences in Singapore
 
Why is Singapore pursuing Biomedical Sciences?
 

The biomedical sciences constitute a field that is rapidly growing and holds much promise for present and future generations in Singapore and elsewhere. The biomedical sciences are a key area for development in Singapore, with the goal of promoting and improving human health and healthcare services in Singapore.

Singapore is well suited for the development of biomedical sciences given its strong health care and biomedical sciences research infrastructure - with world-class hospitals, specialised centres, research institutes, and universities. Singapore aims to become a leading hub for biomedical sciences activities, building world-class capabilities that include basic scientific research and development, product and process development, clinical research, manufacturing, and business headquarters operations. The focus on the biomedical sciences is in line with Singapore's intention to be a knowledge-based economy that places a premium on technology, innovation, capabilities and talent.

 
Which organisations oversee the development of biomedical sciences in Singapore?
 

The Steering Committee for Life Sciences was established as the Ministerial Committee for Life Sciences in June 2000. This Committee oversees the development of biomedical sciences in Singapore covering the various aspects of education, research and development, and industry development. An International Advisory Council (IAC), made up of eminent members from the international scientific community, as well as the Biomedical Sciences Executive Committee, provide support to the Steering Committee.

Singapore believes that while the biomedical sciences provide what appear to be many exciting possibilities for the future of humankind, it is essential to ensure that the field progresses in an ethically sound and appropriate manner. While Singapore is encouraging the development of biomedical sciences research and industry at a rapid pace, this is not to be at the expense of community values and ethics. The Bioethics Advisory Committee (BAC) was appointed by the Cabinet to examine the legal, ethical and social issues arising from biomedical sciences research. Issues such as human genetics and stem cell research are examples of issues considered by the Committee. The BAC makes its recommendations to the Steering Committee.

 
Biomedical Research Council
 
The Biomedical Research Council (BMRC), under the Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR) , oversees and provides support to public sector biomedical sciences research and development (R&D) activities in Singapore.
 
Economic Development Board
 

The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) is the lead government agency promoting industrial activities in the biomedical sciences. Through their Biomedical Sciences Group, the EDB promotes and enhances the range of biomedical sciences activities and ensures that there is a sound infrastructure to support such activities in Singapore.
 
Bioethics
 
What is bioethics?
 
Bioethics is the study of ethical issues in the biological and biomedical sciences, and some important aspects of environmental, population and social sciences. It subsumes traditional medical ethics but is a wider field. It specifically includes ethical issues in research, and not just in clinical settings governed by the relations between physicians and patients.
 
Development of Bioethical Infrastructure in Singapore
 
In January 1994, the Ministry of Health (MOH) set up the National Medical Ethics Committee (NMEC) "to assist the medical profession in addressing ethical issues in medical practice and to ensure a high standard of ethical practice in Singapore".
 
In June 2000, the Singapore Medical Association set up the Centre for Medical Ethics and Professionalism (CMEP) "to promote the art and science of medical ethics and medical practice and their application for the betterment of patient care and public health".
 
In December 2000, BAC was appointed by the Singapore government to address the ethical issues in biomedical research. The BAC is thus concerned with the ethical implications of research, rather than the implications for clinical settings.
 
Ethical Governance of Biomedical Sciences in Singapore
 
In December 1993, MOH directed all public hospitals to set up ethics committees. In June 1998, MOH announced its acceptance of NMEC's recommendations on Hospital Ethics Committees (HECs) for all public and restructured hospitals. The Singapore Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (SGGCP), which is adapted from the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) for Good Clinical Practice, was implemented on 1 August 1998 together with the amendment to the Medicines (Clinical Trials) Regulations. The SGGCP ensures internationally acceptable ethical and scientific standards of clinical trials in Singapore. It was revised in 1999.
 
Subsequently, ethics committees were not only set up in hospitals, but also in other institutions including the National Skin Centre, the National Cancer Centre, the Singapore National Eye Centre, as well as the Health Promotion Board.
 
Clinical trials for drugs are specifically regulated by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Prior to approval, a drug trial has to be reviewed by the institution or hospital ethics committee and the Medical Clinical Research Committee, the advisory body to HSA. The HSA issues Clinical Trial Certificates for approved trials
 
While non-drug clinical trials are currently not statutorily regulated, the SGGCP is recognised by the MOH as the benchmark for all clinical trials. Therefore researchers and ethics committees are expected to refer to the SGGCP for non-drug clinical trials.