Medical Ethics

ISSN Print 2713-0894 ISSN Online 2713-0908

BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL OF ERMC EASTERN EUROPEAN

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Speshilova SA, Lileeva EG, Sinitsina OA

Real-life clinical practice requires to confirm bioequivalence of medicinal products in everyday settings resulting in adequately assessed effectiveness and tolerability of drugs in diverse patient groups. When the studies are lacking, it cannot be warranted that therapeutic effects or safety profiles of the reproduced drug will be identical to those of original brand medicines, which may decrease the trust of doctors and patients in generics and, as a consequence, limit treatment affordability. Assessment of bioequivalence (or pharmacokinetic equivalence) of medicinal products (drugs) is currently considered one of the main types of biomedical quality control of reproduced (generic) medicines. The Russian pharmaceutical market is heavily dominated by generic drugs, which significantly outnumber original products. Thus, bioequivalence studies are of a huge economic and clinical value.

Received: 2025-12-11

Published online: 2026-02-26

DOI: 10.24075/medet.2026.003

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VIEWS 11

Kalabekova SV, Fidarova KK, Sokolova OV, Smirnova AV

This article provides an ethical review of inclusive education based on the four pillars of bioethics such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. The authors are convinced that the inclusive educational paradigm is not just a pedagogical technology, but a moral imperative that directly results from modern bioethical approaches and a social model of understanding disability. Moral and ethical challenges at the intersection of medical diagnosis and pedagogical process are carefully analyzed. The new and collaborative role of medicine in inclusive practice is substantiated. The article considers the paradigm shift from the medical to the socio-ethical model of disability, analyzes the main ethical dilemmas of inclusion (resource dilemma, reasonable accommodation, professional boundaries) and substantiates the role of the medical community as a defender of rights and a partner in building an inclusive environment. It is concluded that principles of bioethics provide a reliable conceptual foundation for overcoming practical and ideological barriers to inclusive education for students with special educational needs (SEN).

Received: 2026-01-25

Published online: 2026-02-19

DOI: 10.24075/medet.2026.002

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VIEWS 51

Klyuyeva PA

In this paper, we present a comprehensive bioethical and regulatory analysis of the use of drug therapy in children with oncological, rheumatological, cardiological and psychiatric diseases in the Russian Federation based on official Instructions for Medical Use and the latest clinical recommendations. This paper focuses on significant contradictions between clinical recommendations and drug registration documents registered in the State Register of Medicines of Russia. Insufficient scientific data on safety and effectiveness of medicines among children deserve particular attention as it results in serious therapy restrictions worsened by regulatory and legal barriers for pediatricians. The study is focused on medications for treatment of follicular lymphoma, systemic lupus erythematosus, schizophrenia and familial hypercholesterolemia, with an emphasis on age restrictions and contraindications.

Received: 2025-12-16

Published online: 2026-02-15

DOI: 10.24075/medet.2026.001

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VIEWS 53

Demarina SM, Sirotkina AM, Usolkin AA, Dombrovskaya ED

The article reviews ethical and legal hurdles of integrating pharmacogenetic testing into personalized medicine. The aim of this publication was to systematize key ethical problems in clinical pharmacogenetics and find possible solutions in Russian legislation. It was an analytical review study that used a systematic analysis of scientific literature combined with comparative legal analysis of national/foreign regulations. The risks of confidentiality violations and unauthorized reuse of genetic data, difficulties in obtaining informed consent and interpreting incidental findings, and a threat of genetic discrimination from employers and insurance companies are reviewed. It has been shown that a high cost of genetic tests increases the inequality of access to medical technologies and highlights major social injustice issues. It is concluded that clarifying the legal status of genetic data, developing special mechanisms to protect patients from stigmatization and discrimination, and introducing educational programs on pharmacogenetics and genetic counseling for medical professionals are essential.

Received: 2025-12-11

Published online: 2025-12-27

DOI: 10.24075/medet.2025.027

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VIEWS 302

Wiegel NL, Mettini EM

The presented study delves into the concept of the digital body within the context of modern technologies and their impact on the society, culture and personality. A digital body is defined as a representation of a physical body in virtual reality, augmented reality, and on other digital platforms. The article reviews opportunities for health support, self-expression, expansion of human experience, and social connections in the digital space provided by digital bodies. The authors also explore numerous challenges faced by the society when digital bodies are introduced. These include data safety, ethical dilemmas related to identity and privacy, as well as implications for mental health and social structure. The article makes predictions about the future of digital bodies stressing that an interdisciplinary approach is required to solve the arising issues. The aim of the analysis is to attract attention to the complex dynamic relationship between technology innovation and human experience, as well as to shape awareness about how digital bodies can transform our society within the next ten years.

Received: 2025-11-17

Published online: 2025-12-15

DOI: 10.24075/medet.2025.026

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VIEWS 331

Sokolova OV, Kulikova OA, Alekseeva KS, Kulikova AA

Distance retail sale of medicines is a mechanism that makes pharmaceutical care more accessible. The objective of the study is to analyze the legal and ethical framework surrounding online retail sales of medicines. The subject of the study is the regulation of ethical standards for consulting in online retail sale of medicines. The study methodology involved first identifying the conditions for remote drug sales and then determining the requirements for this trade method. The research materials included regulatory documents and scientific publications focused on the remote retail sale of medicines. The methods of content analysis, comparison and generalization were used. During the study it has been found out that the current legal frameworks govern how pharmacists comply with ethical standards, specifically addressing the remote sale of medicines. It has been established that, regardless of the method of ordering, information about medicines is provided to customers by a qualified employee of a pharmacy on a professional basis.

Received: 2025-11-10

Published online: 2025-12-08

DOI: 10.24075/medet.2025.025

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VIEWS 411

Tereshkova VV, Tereshkova EA, Firsov DE

In the 21st century, the rapid advance of space programs raises ethical concerns about the consequences of exploring and exploiting space resources. The concept note of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) on the ethical considerations on space exploration and exploitation adopted in August 2024 states that “the international community is now in need of developing ethical principles for space exploration and exploitation that complement currently existing outer space treaties”. Key areas for future ethical regulation of space projects include prospects for commercial developments, space tourism programs, mining, and deep space exploration to study exoplanet atmospheres and search for terrestrial planets. Space exploration provides important knowledge that improves the quality of life and has a technological and innovative impact on society. The “inspiring factor” of space research is crucial for motivating future generations of scientists to develop science. However, it must be borne in mind that human activities pose significant risks to both near-Earth space and Earth’s ecosystems. The scale of space ethics proposed by COMEST will help systematize information about ethical uncertainty factors, risks and consequences of risks associated with initiatives in space exploration and exploitation.

Received: 2025-09-24

Published online: 2025-12-06

DOI: 10.24075/medet.2025.024

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VIEWS 384

Lileeva EG, Fomina IA, Galeeva EV, Chekanova YV, Bocharova IV

This review summarizes and analyses methods for controlling ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG) impurities in pharmaceutical products. Contamination of medicinal products with these substances threatens the safety of patients, which is confirmed by numerous mass poisoning incidents throughout history and in modern times. The main reason is using toxic glycols instead of safe fillers such as propylene glycol and glycerol. The article presents systematic review of modern EG and DEG determining methods that range from standard pharmacopoeia methods to perspective screening tools. Particular attention is given to the relevance of development and implementation of prompt, precise and affordable screening solutions to be used at all stages of the pharmaceutical supply chain. The World Health Organization (WHO) Initiatives, including the target product profile (TPP), which aims to enforce these solutions, have been reviewed. It is emphasized that shifting from traditional centralized laboratory testing to decentralized methods is essential to prevent falsification and ensure safety of patients.

Received: 2025-11-10

Published online: 2025-12-03

DOI: 10.24075/medet.2025.023

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VIEWS 408