Healthy Skepticism Library item: 4197

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Kessler DA.
Drug promotion and scientific exchange. The role of the clinical investigator
N Engl J Med. 1991 Jul 18;325(3):201-3 1991 Jul 18; 325:(3):201-3

Abstract:

Physicians who have been conducting studies in a particular field or of a certain drug are often asked to present their findings at medical symposiums sponsored by pharmaceutical firms. In 1988, 16 companies sponsored 34668 symposiums at a costg exceeding $85.9 million. Some of these industry-sponsored activities can provide health care professionals with excellent opportunities for education and scientific exchange but they can also be used for the illegal promotion of the sponsor’s products. The Food and Drug Administration is currently developing guidelines to help the pharmaceutical industry and physicians distinguish between industry-sponsored activities that are likely to be considered promotional events and activities that are likely to be considered nonpromotional scientific exchange. The FDA must also depend on the medical community to help ensure that scientific exchanges adhere to the highest professional and regulatory standards. An aggressive alliance between the FDA and the medical community is vital if scientific and educational activities are to retain their rigour and intellectual credibility.

Keywords:
*analysis/United States/Food and Drug Administration/FDA/regulation of promotion/sponsored symposia & conferences/conference speakers/relationship between medical profession and industry/INFORMATION FROM INDUSTRY: DOCTORS/PROMOTION DISGUISED: COMPANY SPONSORED SPEAKING TOURS AND CONFERENCE SPEAKERS/PROMOTION DISGUISED: CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS/REGULATION, CODES, GUIDELINES: COMPLIANCE, SANCTIONS, STANDARDS/REGULATION, CODES, GUIDELINES: DIRECT GOVERNMENT REGULATION Advertising* Commerce Congresses Drug and Narcotic Control Information Services* Pharmaceutical Preparations* Physician's Role Research Personnel* United States United States Food and Drug Administration