Analytical research on human genome/genes contributes hugely to advances in life sciences and medical and health sciences. It plays a significant role in the progress of health and welfare of humankind and the nurturing of new industries. However, the genetic information obtained in the course of this research reveals the genetic makeup of the information provider and his or her relatives. Depending on how the information is handled, various ethical, legal and social issues may arise. Therefore, analytical research on human genome/gene must respect human dignity and rights and must be appropriately conducted with the understanding and cooperation of society.

On August 6, 2001, Ono established the Ethics Committee to ensure that analytical research on human genome/genes is undertaken ethically and with scientific rationale and that no violation occurs of the dignity and human rights of the information provider and his or her relatives, in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of Research on the Human Genome (The Bioethics Committee for the Council of Science and Technology, published Jun 14, 2000) and the Ethical Guideline for Human Genome/Genes Analysis (prepared by the three Japanese government ministries －Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; enforced April 1, 2001, totally revised December 28, 2004, partially amended June 29, 2005). The Committee scrutinizes and rules on the ethical and scientific appropriateness of the analytical researches on human genome/gene that the company's researchers plan to undertake.

Committee Members

The Committee comprises experts in the fields of humanities and social sciences including ethics and law, experts in natural sciences and members representing the ordinary public interest so that academic as well as multidisciplinary knowledge and viewpoints are reflected and so that fair and independent judgments can be made. Members are drawn from both within and outside the company.