How are pharmaceutical technologies developed and controlled in our societies? To what extent should the availability of these technologies be determined by scientific experts, a democratic state, the interests of final users, or ethical principles? This unique collection brings together the work of social scientists, ethicists, lawyers and policy analysts on regulation, ethics and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Regulatory systems and their implications for public health in North America, Europe and developing countries are discussed, including case studies of norplant, interferon and anti-fertility vaccines. Contents: Introduction; J.Abraham Regulatory Laws and Political Culture in the United States and Germany; A.Daemmrich Europeanization of Medicines Regulation; J.Abraham & G.Lewis Globalization of Medicines Control; J.Abraham & T.Reed Sales Licensing Documentation and Trade Secrecy: The Case of Norplant Contraceptives; E.Ollila & E.Hemminki Biological Medicines in the Age of Biotech: Public Policy Issues; N.Morris New Molecules, Markets and Changing Drug Regulatory Practices; T.Peters Users' Involvement in Regulating Contraceptive Innovation: The Design of Anti-Fertility Vaccines; J.van Kammen Regulations for Ethical Purposes: Medical Research on Humans; C.Foster The Limitations of Current Ethical Regulations; O.Corrigan Mergers and Joint Ventures in the Pharmaceutical Industry; H.Kelly & M.Hadden