Research and developing countries: hopes and hypes.

The paper outlines the universal problem of ensuring ethical practices in human subject research, and focuses on specific difficulties faced in the developing world with particular reference to Pakistan. It discusses the influence of traditional and hierarchical social norms of physician-patient relationships in heightening these problems. Two emerging issues of specific concern in Pakistan are described: an exponential rise in multinational clinical drug trials, and commercial ventures offering unproven stem cell "therapy" for all kinds of diseases. The importance of introducing ethical practices in research within the context of local cultural and socioeconomic realities is highlighted.