As a semi-virtual company, Phytopharm has
adopted the key principles of SA8000, Social
Accountability International’s standard that
provides a comprehensive and flexible system
for managing ethical workplace conditions
throughout global supply chains. In adopting
these principles Phytopharm addresses the
issue of fair treatment to all its employees who
are required to follow a code of conduct that
includes social awareness. Phytopharm also
promotes SA8000 standards amongst its
partners, suppliers and contractors worldwide.
Assessment of compliance to these principles
and other applicable regulatory or legal
requirements, is through audit and improvement;
plans are agreed and implemented to raise the
level of compliance where appropriate.

By starting with a plant extract that has a history
of clinical use Phytopharm’s unique approach
reduces the need for lengthy preclinical testing.
Nevertheless, regulatory authorities worldwide
require that all new medicines must be
subjected to rigorous safety testing in preclinical
models and in human clinical studies before
they are approved for use to protect people from
potentially toxic effects. The use of preclinical
tests to develop medicines is the subject of
enormous ethical sensitivity that rightly
commands a high level of public interest.
Phytopharm is committed to implementing the
three R’s – Reducing the number of preclinical
tests used for research, Replacement by
alternative methods whenever possible and
Refinement of the techniques used to eliminate
or reduce suffering. Phytopharm has no
testing facilities itself but uses regulated and
licensed Contract Research Organisations
and other licensed institutions that comply
with government requirements. Phytopharm
implements robust review processes to ensure
the highest quality standards are maintained.