Title: Health-related biotechnology in Brazil - some regulatory and ethical considerations

Authors: Marilia Bernardes Marques

Addresses: Rua Vinicius de Moraes 197 apt 101 Ipanema 22411-010, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract: The main purpose of this article is to present an overview of the complex regulatory and ethical challenges associated with the expansion of health-related biotechnology in Brazil. Initially, the author presents the general characteristics of Brazil, a developing Latin American country. The general panorama of human health-related biotechnology in the country is addressed. Finally, the author develops some regulatory and ethical considerations. To conclude, the author stresses optimistically that the current growth-spurt of a bioethics regulatory framework in Brazil is affecting positively the coherence and consistency of local science and health policies.

Keywords: Brazil; bioethics; health-related biotechnology; modern biotechnology; genetic engineering; human tissue trade; patenting life.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBT.2003.002112

International Journal of Biotechnology, 2003 Vol.5 No.1, pp.38-46

Published online: 20 Jul 2003 *

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