Abstract
The distribution of resources around the globe is characterized by staggering inequalities and inequities, with the result that individuals in lower income countries have greater disease burden and shorter lives than individuals in high-income countries. Commentators on research ethics are well aware of this concern and have searched for ways to design and conduct clinical trials to help to address it. Much of this work focuses on how to protect individuals and communities in lower income countries from exploitation (Shapiro and Meslin 2001). In particular, what requirements are needed to prevent clinical investigators and funders from wrongly using participants and communities in lower income countries to develop new interventions for the benefit of high-income countries? […]