Regulatory authorities require that all new prescription medicines intended for use in humans must be shown to be safe, effective and of the highest quality.

All studies that are conducted within GlaxoSmithKline are run in accordance with the standards and codes of conduct accepted by the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Guidelines.

In accordance to these guidelines, all clinical studies have to be submitted to an independent Ethics Committee (consisting of health professionals, scientists and members of the general public.).The role of the Ethics Committee is to safeguard the interest of volunteers taking part in studies. No study can take place without the approval of the Ethics Committee.