Cyprus - RECs and Medical Research
History
There are 3 Ethics committees in Cyprus within the framework of the Pancyprian Medical Association, the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre and the Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics. The last committee was established in 1994, and the other 2 after April 2000.
Additionally, The National Bioethics Committee was established by law in 2001 and began work in October 2002. They discuss bioethical issues and publish their opinions. They can consider issues raised by themselves, the Ministry of Health, Parliament or the public. It consists of 13 members who are appointed by the Council of Ministers.
Clinical trials must be approved by the Drugs Council, which operates independently from the ethics committees, and the National Bioethics Committee.
Summary of Cypriot RECs
| Type of REC | National Bioethics Committee | Pancyprian Medical Association | Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre | Institute of Neurology & Genetics |
| Where situated? | Ministry of Health | - | - | - |
| Who applies to them? | Anyone wishing to conduct a clinical trial | Medical researchers | Anyone applying to carry out clinical research at the centre | Researchers at the centre whose projects involve human subjects and/or samples |
| Formal/Informal | Formal | Formal | Formal | Formal |
| National/Regional | National | National | Regional | Regional |
| Laws Involved (see below) | - | - | - | - |
| Guidance Involved | Principles of Good Clinical Practice & Good Manufacturing Practice | Declaration
of Helsinki EU – GCP |
Declaration
of Helsinki EU – GCP |
Declaration
of Helsinki EU – GCP |
| Membership requirements | 13 members appointed by the Council of Ministers | - | - | - |
| Responsible/accountable to whom? | Ministry of Health | - | - | - |
| Approval or Advisory powers | Approval | Approval | Approval | Approval |
Links section
- Republic of Cyprus - links to government sites (in English, Greek & Turkish)
- Bank of Cyprus Oncology centre (in English & Greek)
- Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics (in English)
See the REC bibliography section for more links and papers, and the Data Protection Page