The company has established the Roche Scientific Ethics Advisory Group (SEAG) to offer advice and counsel on a broad range of ethical matters. The panel meets as needed and is made up of independent internationally-recognised external experts appointed by Roche from the fields of genetics, bioethics, law and sociology, as well as lay members, such as representatives from patient advocacy groups. The panel is made up of members from different continents to ensure its advice is comprehensive and relevant to situations that arise around the world. The SEAG may also meet periodically to discuss ethical issues in the wider health arena with Roche, to keep us up to date and to act as a sounding board for any internal debates that may benefit from an independent opinion.