http://www.jnj.com/connect/about-jnj/views-positions/new-products/

http://www.jnj.com/connect/about-jnj/views-positions/new-products/

Johnson & Johnson - Index

Johnson & Johnson - report - Index

treating blindness caused by retinal disease. We are also
looking at whether stem cells could be effective in treating
diabetes and strokes. In regenerative medicine, we are
looking at whether transplanting a patient’s own tissue
could regrow cartilage in damaged areas.
In recognition of the potential importance of stem
cells in research and development, we have established the
Johnson & Johnson Committee on Human Stem Cell
Research to assure that the highest scientific and ethical
standards are maintained in all research programs involving
such cells. The Committee’s membership includes representatives
from Corporate Law, Corporate Communications, the
Corporate Office of Science and Technology, senior leaders
in R&D from around the Company, and external experts in
bioethics and health care.
Q:
How does the Company factor environmental
considerations into its research?
WEISMAN: I’ve spoken with many leaders in our R&D
organization. Our employees have really taken environmental
responsibility to heart as a Credo-based value — and they
are endeavoring to be mindful of it from the earliest stage in
the R&D continuum to the final stage of bringing a product
to the marketplace. We are using Design for Environment
principles, green chemistry practices and a “Safe Science”
tool to design new manufacturing processes and reformulate
products to reduce or eliminate the use or release of
hazardous chemicals. This protects our employees and
‘greens’ the products we take to market.
There is an excellent success story in the new clinical
chemistry technology area of our Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics
(OCD) business that makes diagnostic equipment such
as blood analyzers. OCD is engineering water conservation,
energy savings, and noise reduction into its products.
We believe that OCD is the only company in the diagnostic
instrumentation industry with products that require no
connection to fresh water, create no hazardous or infectious
wastewater, and contribute a minimum of noise to a lab environment.
In 2007, OCD also modified its reagent products to eliminate
the use of thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative.
PROFILES IN COMMITMENT
There is understandable public concern
Q: about the use of animals in research. How
does Johnson & Johnson manage animal welfare?
WEISMAN: The ethical and humane treatment of animals
required for scientific investigation is both a moral and
regulatory responsibility. Our Policy on the Humane Care and
Use of Animals for Laboratory Research encourages the conservation
of animal resources, promotes the use of alternative
testing whenever possible, and emphasizes humane treatment.
All of our facilities meet or exceed international regulations
governing laboratory animal care and use.
Significantly, R&D leaders at Johnson & Johnson are
looking for alternatives to animal testing as a prelude to
testing the safety and efficacy of our products on humans.
One notable development is a transparent test chamber
that allows laparoscopic surgeons to train in a technological
model that closely simulates a biological environment.
Q:
What do you think is the greatest R&D
challenge right now?
WEISMAN: I would have to say our greatest challenge is
making exciting new medical advances and technologies
affordable to the health care system and accessible to those
who need it. For health care researchers, we are living in a
great time; we have accomplished unbelievable things.
The mysteries of the human genome have been unraveled.
The molecular basis of disease is now understood in remarkably
detailed fashion. We have developed computing technologies
that allow us to process vast amounts of information, and
we have the internet, which provides for instant connectivity.
We have the ability to prevent diseases and promote health
in very targeted ways. We are even in a position of curing
some diseases outright, through cellular science and biotechnology.
Research has put all these wonderful advances in
our grasp, but we have to demonstrate their value and then
use these advances to make health care products that are
affordable and accessible. �
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