S-BIO06: BIOETHICS | Doc.

Brian Limson

ANALYSIS OF VIRAL INFECTION OUTBREAK: MODE

OF TRANSMISSION, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, DRUG
DESIGN AND ADMINISTRATION
SUBMITTED BY:
ALONZO, Roselyn G.
BENDIAN, Joanne Pauline V.
BUMALAY, Sandra R.
DE LUNA, Clarissa A.
GIMONGALA, Stephanie
MERCADER, Angel
PERFINAN, Mark Ronald Z.
ROLLON, Ma. Cecilia D.
SASA, Christian Nino E.
TAVU, Lady Edlenill J.
VIZCONDE, Marlon Louis R.

III-14 BSCIEBIO

BACKGROUND OF THE INFECTION: ORIGIN

An outbreak of viral infection has been recently discovered. The signs
and symptoms includes fever, rashes, headache, convulsion, vomiting,
abdominal pain and body cramps. It has also been found out that it could
lead to internal bleeding, circulatory shock, multiple organ failure and death.
Moreover, Scientists and medical doctors discovered that it could reanimate
the dead. This condition could pose a threat to human extinction.
It is reported that the first case of this infection was recorded after an
open rave party that was attended by youth and are suspected with the use
of injected drugs that wasnt properly sterilized.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION: BODY FLUIDS

Blood, semen and vaginal secretions could be considered potentially
able to transmit viruses.

Also, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, synovial

fluid, peritoneal and pericardial fluids carry significant risks in transmitting

viruses. Saliva, sputum, sweat, tears, feces, nasal secretions and urine have
low risk of transmitting viruses. Transmission of the blood-borne infections
can also occur through parenteral, mucous membrane, and non-intact skin
exposure. The higher risk on transmission is on skin penetration injury that is
fairly deep and sustain with a needle that has visible blood on it that had
recently been removed from a blood vessel of a patient with a high viral load.
Body fluid exposure is a risk on transmission of different viruses
especially in a needle stick injury involving infected patients. Also, skin and
soft-tissue infection at the site of inoculation through introduction of
staphylococcal special is also an issue. Exposure to body fluids may occur
after sharp injuries.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
For the given virus, two pathophysiological processes would be given, one
would be the mechanism on how the virus infects a healthy, living person

and the second is its

mechanism

on

re-animating

the

dead.

Both

pathophysiological processes would help develop in designing a drug as well

as the way of its administration.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY ON THE LIVING:
ETIOLOGY
The disease brought about by the virus is said to have a multifactorial, since
the

primary vector for transmission is bodily fluids, some may acquire it

through direct contact or can be acquired within a healthcare institution with

poor hygienic practices.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PATHOGEN:
The pathogen is a non-segmented, flagellated, single stranded RNA virus
that resembles Ebola and HIV in its genome replication and organization
mechanisms. The virus is still under research, and currently has only one
known genus and species. It is said that the virus exhibits non-specificity on
its receptors.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Upon entry to the bloodstream, the virus, unknown to the bodys immune
system triggers the activation of white blood cells. One type of WBC called
Helper T Lymphocytes or Helper T cells strengthen the immune systems
response to infection in two ways. First,

Helper T cells release chemicals

that attract other WBCs to the sight of the infection. This additional WBC
attack the invading virus as well as other infected cells. Second, Helper T
cells release chemicals that cause other WBCs to multiply. These new WBCs
create markers called antibodies which can identify the same foreign
invaders throughout the body. Antibodies attach to the bacteria or virus
marking them as targets for the immune system to destroy them. This
reaction can also trigger the release of pyrogens that triggers the brain to
regulate the bodys temperature resulting to fever. Pyrogens make their way

to the hypothalamus in the brain, which is in charge of regulating body

temperature. When pyrogens bind to certain receptors in the hypothalamus,
body temperature rises. Interleukin is also produced by macrophages to
signal more White blood cells specifically Helper t cells to take action during
infection, the increase of interleukin in the body may cause headaches
depending on the severity of infection. This virus also triggers the mast cells
that release chemokines as signal mechanisms to produce histamines that
causes vasodilation and triggers an inflammatory effect in the body, that can
be seen as rashes externally. Upon longer exposure to the infection, the virus
binds itself to either dendritic cells or b-cells which are the ones that
activates white blood cells, in some cases, the virus directly binds to the
white blood cells, this can happen since the virus has non-specific receptors.
After binding, the virus implants itself to the cell membrane and replicates its
genetic material inside the infected cell, with this, it can infect other cells by
luring them not to recognize the virus as foreign to the body. This causes
disruption to the immune system and enables opportunistic infections to take
over the body. In such case, the gastro-intestinal track can be infected by
other pathogens that may cause abdominal pain and vomiting that may have
different mechanisms depending on the pathogen that has infected the
person. Muscle cramps develops in the latter part of this stage since there is
a disruption in the circulatory system that results to fewer oxygen and
accumulation of lactic acid. At worst case scenarios, Neutrophils, the bodys
final defense mechanisms are activated and vast number of cytokines are
released in the blood stream in order to fight the virus, however this may
result to damage in blood vessels that leads to internal

bleeding. At this

stage, multiple organ failure may prevail that may cause the death of a
severely infected person.

First hours of
Infection

Deadly Phase
activation of
neutrophils,
accum ulation of lactic
acid
CRAM PS

Activation of
im m une system
FEVER,
HEADACHE,
RASHES

Prolonged Exposure to
infection
Binding to Cells, disabling
antibodies and Im m une
system
OPORTUNISTIC
PATH OG ENS= GI TRACK
INFECTION (VOM M ITING
AND ABDOM INAL PAIN)

Figure 1 Pathophysiology on the living

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY ON THE DEAD:

When the virus enters the body of the dead person, the virus will travel
to the different parts of the body with the use of its locomotive part. When it
reaches a certain part or organ of the body, it will start to revive the cells of
the organ and regenerate it. When it reached the brain, it will start to revive
the neurons and fire some electrical impulse in the neurons to achieve long
distance, rapid communication between the same cells and the different
organs of the body. But there are parts in the brain that the virus cannot
regenerate and revive like the primary motor cortex which is primarily
responsible with movement that is why the body moves in an irregular way
and have the difficulty to move and walk. Aside from it, it cannot revive the
whole cerebrum, as a result, the person has impaired thinking and reasoning.
While it is happening at the same time, the virus is making its way to the
heart. It will regenerate the cells of the heart and establish the intercalated
cells of the heart to make it function as one.

With a working brain and heart, it seems alive but the other organs of the
body cannot be regenerate like the cells of the epithelium in the skin and
some other organs like the reproductive and the excretory system. The main
target of the virus in the body of the dead person is the brain and the heart.
The virus will only work on dead people who have still have an intact or semi
intact heart and brain. It cannot reanimate dead people for a long time that
the only thing remains is their bone.
DRUG DESIGN
Signs and symptoms: fever, rashes, headache, convulsion, vomiting,
abdominal pain and muscle cramps. It has also been found out that it could
lead to internal bleeding, circulatory shock, multiple organ failure and death
Problem: Virus cause infection to human body. It targets the white blood
cells (WBC) of immune system.
The virus enters Helper T cells which are the primary target. Once inside,
the virus makes many copies of itself. As these virus particles are made,
they leave the damaged Helper T cells to infect the other cells. The T cells
loses its ability to protect the body from the ongoing infection and dies. In
this way, the virus spreads and kill more the bodys Helper T cells that
results to weakening of immune system. As a result, other types of infections
are able to take advantage of the bodys inability to defend itself. These
infections are called opportunistic infections. Based on Pathophysiology
Generic name: Interacetaminophenferon beta-1b
Product Description: Interacetaminophenferon beta-1b is a drug used to
treat mild to moderate pain, fever and fights viral infections.
Brand name: Travinol
Route of Administration: Administer orally within 2 hours of a meal. Twice
a day.
Strength: Available in 10mg, 100mg, 250mg and 500mg.

Color: White
Shape: Round
Size: 5mm
Packaging: 20 tablet in 1 blister pack
Storage: Tablets should be stored at room temperature 15 C to 30 C (59 F to
86 F). Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Dosing Form: Tablet
Dosing:

Less than 2 years: 10 mg every 6 hours

2 to 12 years: 100 mg every 6 hours
13 to 20 years: 250 mg every 6 hours
21 and beyond: take 500 mg every 6 hours

Chemical Compounds: a purified, sterile, lyophilized protein produced by

the different methods of DNA recombination. Interferon beta-1b has 165
amino acids and an approximate molecular weight of 18,500 daltons.
Active Ingredients
Ingredient Name: INTERFERON BETA-1B (UNII: TTD90R31WZ) (INTERFERON
BETA-1B UNII:TTD90R31WZ), ACETAMINOPHEN
Inactive Ingredients:
Ingredient Name: ALBUMIN HUMAN (UNII: ZIF514RVZR), MANNITOL (UNII:
3OWL53L36A) Povidone, Pregelatinized Starch, Sodium Starch Glycolate,
Stearic Acid
Interacetaminophenferon beta-1b is a pain reliever, fever reducer and fights
viral infections. It relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold, that is, by
requiring a greater amount of pain to develop before a person feels it. It
reduces fever through its action on the heat-regulating center of the brain.
Specifically, it tells the center to lower the body's temperature when the
temperature is elevated. Interacetaminophenferon beta-1b is an interferon
beta-1b which is made up from human proteins. Interferons are a family of
naturally occurring proteins produced by cells in response to the viral
infection,

and

it

also

helps

the

body

to

fight

viral

infections.

Interacetaminophenferon beta-1b is mainly prescription medicine to reduce

the number of relapses of someone suffering from a disease called multiple
sclerosis.
Side Effects:
Severity: Major
You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects
occur when taking Interacetaminophenferon beta-1b:
More Common:

Abdominal or stomach pain

break in the skin at the injection site, with blue-black discoloration,
swelling, or drainage of fluid
flu-like symptoms including chills, fever, generalized feeling of
discomfort or illness, increased sweating, and muscle pain
headache or migraine
hives, itching, or swelling at the injection site
irregular or pounding heartbeat
redness, pain, or feeling of heat at the injection site
stuffy nose

Less common:

Breast pain
bloody or cloudy urine
changes in vision
cold hands and feet
difficult, burning, or painful urination
fast or racing heartbeat
frequent urge to urinate pain
pelvic pain
swollen glands
troubled breathing
unusual weight gain

Rare:

Abnormal growth in the breast

benign lumps in the breast
bleeding problems
bloating or swelling

changes in menstrual periods

convulsions (seizures)
cyst (abnormal growth filled with fluid or semisolid material)
decreased sexual ability in males
dry, puffy skin
feeling cold
hyperactivity
increased muscle tone
increased urge to urinate
loss of memory
mental depression with thoughts of suicide
problems with speaking
red, itching, or swollen eyes
swelling of the front part of the neck
unusual weight loss

Severity: Minor
More common:

Constipation
Diarrhea
Dizziness
loss of voice
menstrual pain or other changes
unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common:

Anxiety
Drowsiness
hair loss
vomiting

Caution: Do not take Interacetaminophenferon beta-1b if you have severe

liver disease.
Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver
disease, regular use/abuse of alcohol.

Do not take this medicine without a doctor's advice if you have ever
had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis) or if you drink more than 3
alcoholic beverages per day.
Your doctor will determine whether this medicine is safe for you to use
during pregnancy. Do not use this medicine without the advice of your
doctor if you are pregnant.
this medicine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without
the advice of a doctor.

VACCINE
Generic name: Cytomegalovir
Pharmacologic Class: Protease Inhibitor
Product Description: This medicine does not cure virus, but may slow the
progress of the disease.
Administration: Administer using injection

There are several steps in the virus life cycle

1
2
3
4

Free virus circulates in the bloodstream.

Virus attaches to a cell.
Virus empties its contents into the cell.
The genetic material (RNA) of the virus is used by the reverse
transcriptase enzyme to build Virus DNA.
5 The Virus DNA is inserted into the cells chromosome by the virus
integrase enzyme. This establishes the virus infection in the cell.
6 When the infected cell reproduces, it activates the Virus DNA, which
makes the raw material for new viruses.
7 Packets of material for a new virus come together.
8 The immature virus pushes out of the infected cell in a process called
budding.
9 The immature virus breaks free of the infected cell.
10 The new virus matures: raw materials are cut by the protease enzyme
and assembled into a functioning virus.
*This life cycle is based on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The researchers designed a drug called Cytomegalovir. This drug

blocks the virus from infecting cells and copying itself inside the body. These
drugs are called antiretroviral it means that drugs do not kill or cure the
virus. However, it can prevent the growth of the virus. This Protease
Inhibitors or PIs block Step 10, where the raw material for new HIV virus is
cut into specific pieces.
There are different ways to attack this virus. Researchers choose
enzyme as a target of drug since enzymes are frequently the target of choice
for disruption of a disease. If a disease is the result of the overproduction of a
certain compound, then one or more of the enzymes involved in its synthesis
can often be inhibited, resulting in a disease in production of the compound
and disruption of the disease process.
Cytomegalovir is a drug used as part of antiretroviral therapy (ART). It
is a protease inhibitor. Protease inhibitors are synthetic drugs meaning
created using man-made chemicals rather than natural ingredients. These
drugs prevent the protease enzyme from working. It blocks the part of the
virus called protease an enzyme that cleaves two precursor proteins into
smaller fragments. These fragments are needed for viral growth, infectivity
and replication. Virus protease is an enzyme required for the proteolytic
cleavage of the viral polyprotein precursors into the individual functional
proteins found in infectious virus. The protease of the identified virus acts
like a chemical scissor. It cuts the raw material for the virus into specific
pieces needed to build a new virus. Protease inhibitors gum up these
scissors.
Cytomegalovir binds to the protease active site and inhibits the activity
of the enzyme. This inhibition prevents cleavage of the viral polyproteins
resulting in the formation of immature non-infectious viral particles. The goal
of Cytomegalovir is to reduce the amount of virus in the body (called viral
load) as much as possible. This effect slows the progression of virus and also
helps treat symptoms.

MECHANISM OF THE DRUG

Figure 2Mechanism of Inhibitors

The drug (tablet) will be

taken by the patient. And
initially enter the body
through the mouth.
Disclaimer: the patient must
eat first before he or she
The drug will be ingested to
the body going through the
The virusesophagus.
RNA will now be
melted by the drug due to its
potential of targeting the RNAs
of the virus through penetrating
Red Blood Cells (without
destroying it).

Then it will be stored to the

stomach before it proceeds
to the small intestine

As it enters the intestine,

absorption of chemical and
nutrients will occur until it
goes to the bloodstream

EXPERIMENT TO CHECK THE DRUGS EFFECTIVENESS

CLINICAL DRUG TESTING
Phase I (also called the first-into-human trial)
The name-of-the-drug is being assessed in this stage in terms of its toxicity and potential effects
to the body. Since no cure has been made by that time, the ethics committee for had given
permission for biological research community to examine humans that were newly wounded
infected survivors to participate in most clinical trials, hence observing the pathophysiology and
time interval of the infection. It was found out that the ___ virus takes a period of two days (24
hours) before it can kill a healthy human in which the reanimation of the dead follows. Further
in-vivo tests involved the insertion of the name-of-the-drug itself in potentially infected human
subjects to ascertain the drugs mechanism of action specifically its Pharmacokinetic and
Pharmacodynamic action. This phase is also crucial because phase I is regarded as higherrisks biological product as it involve insertion of a new agent that might cause severe
disturbance of vital body systems .Furthermore, strategies for mitigating and managing risk are
given, including the calculation of the initial dose to be used in humans, the subsequent dose
escalation, and the conduct of the clinical trial.
Phase II/ Therapeutic Exploratory
Phase II involves a large number of participants to discover therapeutic efficacy. The problem is
that the ___ virus spreads very rampant newly infected humans only live for about 24 hours at
most. To compensate such problem, biological research community encourage surviving
families to participate there near-to-death relatives (i.e., suffering from incurable disease
patients). At this point, consents are given to provide an eligible contract and terms of
agreements between those of the families and researchers. Various rigorous research design
are beginning to evolve as the drug is being redefined into a cure. Scientists are now working to
dose escalation trials as it relates to dose response in the body for specific indication. Still, a
placebo control group is withheld to monitor actual changes in the experiment since the drug is
novel. Consents are also given to those participants in the placebo control group.
Phase III
The primary objective of a confirmatory phase III trial is to demonstrate or confirm the
therapeutic benefit from using important clinical endpoints. Those trials are designed to confirm
preliminary evidence collected during the exploratory phase of clinical testing. The ___ drug is

distributed in the remaining surviving communities more importantly it is prioritized to give

medication to those in dire need like to those who are already infected by the ___ virus.
Phase IV
Spreading of information on how to create the ___ drug is needed for mass production in
different countries and so, radio waves and the use of internet (if still possible) is helpful to
scatter data in all areas of the world. Resources in making the drug is made possible by intact
government and agencies that are working hand in hand with researchers and scientists. As the
detrimental effects of zombie infection will be lessen as humanity will regain their status thus
marketing of the drug will be seemingly improved. Further clinical trials will takes place to
develop quality assurance of the __ drug.

Bioethics in Clinical Drug testing

Clinical trials are forms of experiments in measuring the effectivity of newly discovered
medicines and medical procedures for human use. In administering clinical trials it is a
necessary prerequisite to come up with a clinical design that laid out all the formulation of trials
and experiments. The main goals of the clinical trial design is to assess the assurance of safety,
efficacy and the mechanism of the medicinal product under the state of development for it is not
yet approved by a experts.
Advancement in the field of medicine is a specific way of improving lives. In times of unexpected
situations it may save millions of human lives in the brink of death in case of chaos in human
existence. But still, this innovations may impose research- related- risks. There would be trial
participants that needlessly harmed by research, while in the other face of the coin there have
been numbers of ethically sound and successful studies. Researchers on medicinal innovations
must consider ethical principles in administering clinical testing to trial participants.
In the Medical field there are existing 4 major pillars of medical ethics that should be followed by
Medical Practitioners or researchers and here stated as follows.
Autonomy
In the principle of autonomy, Kants ethic states that ones will is a means of a freedom of action.
Trial participants has the duty to treat themselves as ends, and preserve their dignity as human
beings. Own decisions of trial subjects must be administered, a sudden refusal to certain clinical

test must be followed by the researchers for they should understand and obey the autonomous
decisions of their subjects. The principle of autonomy is being emphasized in the idea of giving
inform consents. It can be implied or expressed, for giving consent may be given verbally, but
the consent paper serves as a written proof that a trial participant is well informed about the
procedure, its risks and effects he or she is undergoing. As a natural protocol, the trial
participant must have the mental ability to comprehend all the terms and conditions of the
medical plan.
Beneficence
In connection to Ross Duty of beneficence, researchers must have the duty to give benefits and
remove harm and risk is an important virtue in biomedical aspects. Portraying the idea of
balance in the possible benefits and harm that may acquire by trial participants. Generally, this
pillar resembles to the idea of giving what is the best for our subjects is a mere fact and still
should consider the suffering of the test subjects in pain, their physical and mental suffering
The risk of disability and death And their quality of life.
Non- Maleficence
In medical context, this principle require researchers and medical practitioners should not
intentionally produce harm to their subjects. As a natural phenomenon researchers cannot
manipulate the occurrence of risks and harm to their trial participants in such case what matters
most in ethical sense is that researchers must provide the proper health care that may avoid
potential risks and harms among their subject of research. Harm and danger is mere inevitable
to test subjects, researchers must be morally bound of choosing what is the lesser evil.
Sometimes duty of maleficence may come up with decisions and actions that do certainly
produces positive and negative effects, this is assured to the principle of double effect.
Justice
Both Ross and Rawls met on a same idea of applying justice in medical context. The idea that
the afflictions and benefits of new or experimental healthcare treatments must be allocated
equally among all sectors in society. Upon the discovery of a certain drug against a disease, in
the allocation of care, the Justice principle holds that patients in alike situations should have
access to a similar care, and that in allocating resources to one group we should determine and
assess the impact of this choice on others. That how fairness serves as a key to a just society.

It is a nature of medical researches to be bombarded of ethical dilemmas. Considering what is

right and wrong in this certain type of field. Existence of ethical protocols and principles are
mere guidelines in medical health care in determining the idea of what is right from what is
wrong on the practice and procedures medical practitioners are conducting.

References:

https://www.pfizer.com/files/research/research_clinical_trials/ethics_committee_guid
e.pdf
https://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/tools/princpl.html
https://quizlet.com/27251/anatomy-and-physiology-body-fluids-flash-cards/
http://www.donatingplasma.org/donation/what-is-plasma
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/782611-overview
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000442.htm
Betaseron (interferon beta-1b) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects - Drugs.com
https://www.drugs.com/betaseron.html
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/HowDrugsareDe
velopedandApproved/ApprovalApplications/TherapeuticBiologicApplications/ucm087
676.pdf
DailyMed
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=66311f74-0472-4fa3848a-06002ca0def5
https://www.drugs.com/pro/acetaminophen-tablet.html
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-362/acetaminophen-oral/details#
http://www.medicinenet.com/acetaminophen/article.htm
http://www.aidsinfonet.org/fact_sheets/view/403
http://www.aidsinfonet.org/fact_sheets/view/443
https://www.drugs.com/monograph/saquinavir.html
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/441243#section=Protein-Binding
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/synthetic.html
http://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/protease-inhibitors#Introduction1
(Medicines By Design, National Institute of Health, pp. 11-13, Davis, Alison 2006)
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-and-pathogenesis-of-ebola-virusdisease
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ebola-virus/basics/causes/con20031241
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180160.php

INDIVIDUAL INSIGHTS
Roselyn G. Alonzo
The task given was really interesting which required ones creative and
critical thinking in doing so. In our group the task was equally divided, and
luckily I was one of that will name the drug. During research of different
drugs that can be applicable to the symptoms given it took time for us to
decide which drugs to use. It is not easy to research different drugs because
we need to read everything about a certain drug, because if it is one of the
cures to the symptoms it can interact with other drugs that may give a more
severe illness or if worst it can lead to death of a person taking it, in short
different drugs may not be applicable to each drugs. Therefore, as
researchers we exerted effort and time in reading and understanding
different articles and references as our basis in doing our drug name. In
addition, metacognition and value thinking are very applicable in conducting
research like this in order to have a successful result or product. Lastly
teamwork is another important factor in doing so therefore it will make the
dream work.
As a future educator I will make interesting and creative task like this
for my future students to enhance their creative and critical thinking skills
which are very important in life. I will also encourage my students to think
beyond thinking therefore they can make the right and good decisions in
their life. Additionally, I will let them to learn and apply the ethical schools of
thought as their guide in the right path of life. In order to make these, first I
will learn and apply different ethical schools of thought for me to be a critical
and value thinker in making right and justifiable decisions in life, that will
help me a lot in teaching my future students.
Bendian, Joanne Pauline V.

One of the greatest learning that I had is the realization that Albert
Einsteins statement about imagination being more important knowledge is
true. Given a futuristic situation wherein the patients are infected by an
unknown strain of virus requires not just pure knowledge but also a vast
imagination on how to come up with a substantial and realistic idea on how
to terminate the virus. As our group went a long the process of inventing a
drug and a vaccine on how to cure the patient, I knew how it feels like to be
a scientist, doctor, pharmacist and most of all, how to be a hardcore
educator wherein all of the schema that we got from our past lessons were
utilized and became a powerful idea that resulted into something substantial.
The concept of utilitarianism was transparent due to the fact that we, as
scientists, doctors, pharmacists and educators all at one cooperated to
create a cure not for our own fame or income but for the betterment of the
society. Furthermore, the importance of deontology (by Kant) was also seen
because our duty as the savior of the community became evident because of
the efforts that we put in order for us to come up with a possible solution
that the community is craving for. It also proved that having a heart and
mind for your duty will always be worth it because seeing the result of all
your effort is priceless.
Lastly, it was a privilege for me to work on this kind of scenario
because I definitely felt the worth of being a science educator. Because being
a science major fills up the curiosity that was once a resident of my brain:
due to the laws and proven studies (facts) that science gave me, everything
became clear. Being an educator, is more precious because I will be the
biggest factor that will fill the gap of curiosity to my future students.
BUMALAY, SANDRA R.

In our research in Bioethics which is the Outbreak of Viral Infection, I

can say that being a scientist is not an easy profession. It requires deep
understanding on the mechanism of a certain virus. In the field of medicine, I
can say that it is one of the hardest part of their profession because they are

after the health of many people. It also requires research skill on how to
address this kind of situation.
Upon researching, I, myself had a difficulty in making the task assigned
to me. We have to have a plan in making our task and in dividing it. The best
thing about this is that through researching, we are also practicing our skill.
In this research, I consider myself as a real scientist that tries to find a
pathophysiology of the virus. Even though I am not a real scientist that
conduct this kind of research the task, however, increases my knowledge
and it is important because it widens my understanding about our topic
which I can use in my future students.
In connection to bioethics, it is important that in making research
specifically if there is a subject such as humans, animals and even plants, we
have to make sure that it will not cause any harm to any of these. Just like in
making drugs for treating a specific illness brought about by a certain virus,
it is improper to have it tested in human or in animals without proper
consent. It is because it is morally wrong and there are laws that accompany
these kind of instances. A researcher should not violate any rights because
we are governed with such laws and we should always consider the rightness
and wrongness of a certain act before we apply or exhibit it. We should
consider the benefit of many people without causing them any harm.
Because whatever profession we have, it is important to impart good things
for the welfare of many people.
Clarissa Mae A. De Luna
Life is important. In every decision, the preservation of life of every individual
should be considered. Same thing should be applied in designing a drug. In
the activity we had, we created drugs which we think can save human lives.
In Kant's context of categorical imperative, it says that an individual should
not use his/her self as a means but always as an end. Applying this context
in designing drugs, we should not just create a drug for the sake of producing
cure, though the intention is good, the end will determine whether the act

will be good or bad. We do not set aside the fact that it can worsen the
condition of the patient. In the drugs that we created, before we came up in
the final drug, we also look for its side effects and possible results to
pregnant women, children and person who are experiencing diseases, for us
to be sure that the drugs will not harm anyone.
Pragmatism became also relevant for us in deciding what to do in our task. It
should be beneficial, useful and practical. We should not create something
that will not be useful. The drug should cure the patients. If the drug will just
became a pain reliever, it should be disregarded and we must think for other
alternatives. Lastly, we included deontological ethics; the patient's condition
should always be prioritized. The duty of the designer of the drug is to
ensure that the drug will cure the patient and will not worsen his/her
condition. Each chemical to use should not be contradicting. We have tried to
mix some medicines, but when we read its side effects, it is contradicting
and can kill the patient. The activity allows us to consider others in making
decisions, thus, making us humane and ethical. I realized that it is difficult to
create a drug because there are many factors to consider. It is a matter of
life and death which will depend on us.
GIMONGALA, Stephanie
One of the most important thing to consider when it comes to testing drugs
is the subject. Using human as subject can be a very controversial issue. Like
other debates, this issue has pros and cons. What I learned about the activity
is how to be very careful when having diagnosis for your patients. Your
diagnosis could have a very great impact on them so better be careful and
skeptical about it. Another thing I learned is how doctors and scientist value
life the most, exerting effort for the cure of their patients.
MERCADER, Angel
First of all I would like talk about my experience. It is nice to work with people
like them because they are cooperative. Everyone in the group contributed

their ideas on how we are going to design a drug that will cure the viral
infection. With this in mind, we all did our duties which falls under Kant's
deontological ethics. Applying the same philosophy in our project, The
doctors and science people have the obligation to solve the problem that
they were facing. It is part of their job to develop a drug that will address the
viral infection. This requires a multidisciplinary approach in which the
collaboration of different experts in various fields is needed. This situation
also involves the concept of utilitarianism in which the people who are
concerned must think of about welfare of the majority. There are more ethical
schools of thought applicable in the said situation. However, the most
important thing to consider is to choose the lesser evil regardless of the
method of how they are going to address the problem.
PERFIAN, MARK RONALD Z.
We have a hard time accomplishing the task because it seems hard at
first, and we dont have enough background about the mechanisms of
different medicine, but with effort and cooperation, we accomplished it just
in time. The situation might not seem impossible to happen because of the
progress in science and medicine, plus the fact that virus constantly
mutates, producing new and stronger strains.
I pondered what if this zombie apocalyptic event really happened?
What will I do? If I have the capacity and ability to make the antivirus and
save the world, will I stick to moral ethics in this time of calamity and
extinction?
In this time of crisis, I will still stick to the different ethics as these
things guide me to be humane as possible. But I think I will use the
utilitarianism ethics as in this time of crisis, the main goal is to save the
maximum number of people and prevent further infection while vaccine or
cure is still not be discovered or made. The lives of the unaffected and

healthy people are the main priority because cure is still not out and the
most possible thing to happen to infected people is that they will die.
In time of crisis, the different ethics will guide the person to do the job
and task properly and that he or she will not falter to stress and resort to
irrational thinking. Ethics serves as our guide in doing things the most
humanely as possible.
Overall, this activity helps me to imagine what I will do in that certain
kind of event and what choices or decisions will I make using and guided by
the different ethics. As a teacher, these can help me to fulfil my job as
closest to the ideal job of a teacher.
ROLLON, Ma. Cecilia D.
As an insight to the activity itself, I would say that I was really
challenged since the only pathophysiology I know is that of the fever which
you thought us back in our Anaphy days, and as a reporter of the group, it is
my duty to master all the components as well as to compile the work of my
groupmates, though the task in hand was hard, it didnt seem so because I
had the opportunity to work with idealistic people that are responsible
regarding their task, I am sure that these people would have great success in
the future if they kept up with this kind of attitude and working habits.
For the context of the given virus, it always tests the ethical beliefs of
Scientist and Researchers when dealing with things that harms the humanity,
the concept of utilitarianism would inevitably be of use in these kinds of
situation. Also, the most inclined ethical school of thought regarding this
issue would be Ross prima facie and actual duty. Ross ethics entails a
balance between selflessness and self-improvement as well as contrast of
beneficence and non-maleficence, which was discussed earlier in the part of
clinical testing.
When battling against pandemic and epidemic, we can say that things
done to combat the issue, regarding their ethical standpoint, would fall under

the metaphysical category since there isnt really a way to discern whether
the actions are moral or not, and when lives are endangered, ethical
considerations are quite taken for granted since the first aim of the medical
practitioners are to cure and inhibit the disease, whatever the means may
be, it seems like by default, utilitarianism wins over others schools of
thought.
In general, as an existentialist, my standpoint on the context of the activity
would be anchored on the degree of free will one has when he/she decided to be a
doctor. Though all people have free will on their own, a doctors free will would
always stick with deontology since the decisions he/she makes affects others as
well. With this being said, all professions that involve decision making that gravely
affects others require solid ethical foundations, one example of which aside from
being a doctor is being an educator. The role of ethics in existentialism can be
summarized with the words deontology and responsibility. By picking this profession
we would be held responsible for the choices we make in connection to our duty and
the failure to live up to your deontology or be responsible for your actions would
only lead to anguish and the loss of essence in existing. Rather than just existing
for ourselves, let us make it a point that we wouldnt lead a futile life and try to help
others the best that we can.

Christian Nino E. Sasa

This activity is a mere way of measuring our ideas and acquired knowledge
in biology. Especially in the specific field of human anatomy and physiology,
microbiology, and chemistry. These are the important subject we have
undergone, this is activity is a complex test in determining our learning
retention and comprehension of different science concepts in specific fields
in biology, which are integrated with each other.
For me, it is a complicated task to do, for it do really measures our
conception and cognition in certain topics. Logical thinking is being exercised
together with reasoning. For the activity must stick with the thought of

connecting these medical practice in concepts and ideas in ethics. Which

serves as the main highlight of the activity.
The activity itself do really shows that we are science majors, and we should
be ready for much complex scenarios as our level of cognition enhances as
our year level increases. In terms of our group, I do really appreciate my
group mates for extending lots of efforts in searching for the significant
information that sufficed to the answer to the problem.
As a future teacher and educator, medical ethics are not only limited to the
field of medical practicing for same rules applies in the classroom. A teacher
is bombarded with lots of dilemmas and concerns from the different
students. Considering the ethical sense of an act do really implies a good
classroom management. It serves as a guideline in approaching and solving
concerns and issues that surrounds in the four corners of the classroom.
Ethical philosophies will pave way to thinking about the other side of a
certain story before jumping into concrete conclusions. Knowing the ethical
philosophies and concepts are ways on strengthening ones logical thinking
and reasoning skills.
Tavu, Lady Edlenill J.
Designing a drug is not easy and very complicated. I personally analyze all
possible drugs that can cure the signs and symptoms given and inhibit the
identified virus. This is my first time to encounter such intellectual work that
need a lot of effort, knowledge and time. It took us three days to search and
analyze different possible and most effective drug that we can do. After
knowing

the

different

process

of

drug

design,

we

analyze

the

pathophysiology which help us to know how the virus attack the human
body. By these, we are able to design a drug. One difficulty I personally
encounter while designing a drug is when we are combining the different
compound that can cure the said symptoms. It is very difficult since some
drugs and compounds cannot be combine together because it might kill the

patient or the human body. Combining different incompatible drug will result
to a more serious disease and can cause death. To overcome these, careful
analyzing are done. Analyzing different things is important to create a good
work. We are able to create an effective and efficient drug and vaccine that
can cure and inhibit the virus. Doing this, I think I became an instant medical
researcher, pharmacist, doctor and even scientist. Finishing this task with my
group mates is very fulfilling since everyone are helping and cooperating. At
the end, I realized that every jobs are important since it is interconnected to
one another and it all requires enough knowledge. At the same time, me and
all my group mates all gained knowledge and have some fun working on it.
In relation to all my gained knowledge in bioethics, I realized the importance
of knowing my duty and obligation because it helps me to make decisions
and take actions morally. I study carefully the different possible cure since it
is my duty to be educated first before working on something that will also
have an effect to other. I must be knowledgeable enough to design a drug
since this drug will affect someones life. Using utilitarianisms principle of
utility gives me an idea that what I am doing must benefit the most people or
the society and to make this happen I should be realistic and always put
myself to the shoes of the others.
VIZCONDE, MARLON LOUIS R.
Bioethics Put into Practice
I learned that conducting a drug test is no joke especially when you
are dealing with mere assumptions which requires wild imagination and
creative thinking. Ultimately, my exposure to this learning experience has
brought me into thinking that every action must be ethically grounded. For
instance, a detrimental problem such as a zombie apocalypse which
promulgate

life

extinction

might

beget

an

array

of

surreal

moral

precautionary actions. Take for example the occurrence zombie apocalypse,

people are infected within a small period of time making it difficult to
conduct a clinical trial. Our last option is that we isolate infected individuals

and use them as subjects for the benefit of all rather than just waiting them
to die (pragmatism). This is contrary with Kantian ethics because, in the
process of conducting the experiment, there is a possibility that the drug will
not work making the person suffer and die. However, to arrive at good
consequences when dealing in life and death situations, we must make
sacrifices (Utilitarianism; the end justify the means).

Morally sound

judgment also depends on the situation itself (as proposed by Joseph

Fletcher). In essence, love for humanity and existence itself as the goal in
making a suitable drug to eradicate such infections is morally persuasive.
Being a future biology teacher and educator, putting into
practice bioethical principles will provide me sound judgment in everyday
life. Also, I should be the model character of my students which exemplify
moral thinking.