Should Journals Stop Publishing Pharma-Funded Research?

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The British Medical Journal hosts a point-counterpoint debate, with Peter Gøtzsche and Richard Smith arguing that the reasons for the boycott of tobacco-industry research – corruption and commercial motivations – are even stronger for pharmaceutical-funded research.  Trish Groves, head of research for the BMJ, argues that the industry is increasing its integrity.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. I feel some sympathy for Trish Groves. She chose (or was chosen) to defend an untenable position. Still…

    Summary of Debate

    Peter Gøtzsche and Richard Smith: the reasons for the boycott of tobacco-industry research – corruption and commercial motivations – are even stronger for pharmaceutical-funded research, and here’s why…

    Trish Groves: No they’re not. Maybe you are. Maybe they are, but they’re getting better and we can help them lie less by publishing their lies. Here’s some other info that does not address any of the points you two made…

    Oh, and

    The drug and tobacco industries, notwithstanding the inescapable fact that both are out to make money, have very different aims. The drug industry makes and sells products aimed at improving health. Medical journals aim to publish research that will improve health. It’s a good fit… “A cigarette is the only consumer product which when used as directed kills its consumer.” Whatever your concerns about the drug industry and the safety of drugs, you’d be hard pushed to make the same allegation.

    Really?

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