Healthy Skepticism Library item: 566

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

Dukes MN.
The menopause and the pharmaceutical industry.
J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 1997 Jun; 18:(2):181-8

Abstract:

Since 1975, pharmaceutical firms specializing in the endocrine field have made a vigorous attempt to develop a large market in estrogens for the long-term treatment of postmenopausal women. The success of the contraceptive ‘pill’ had demonstrated the commercial attractiveness of developing products for an essentially healthy population. The scientific challenge was to demonstrate the value of such treatment, e.g. in countering osteoporosis; another problem was the generally poor compliance observed when patients receive drugs other than for the relief of acute conditions. Techniques used included the selective emphasis to physicians of those research findings pointing to the value of hormonal replacement, the development of direct approaches to the public to stimulate interest in a treatment which might prolong life or delay some parts of the ageing process (‘feminine forever’), and the creation of intermediary institutes to undertake selective research and influence opinion.

Keywords:
*analysis hormone replacement therapy drug company sponsored research doctors company supplied articles company financed institutes INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: CONSUMERS AND PATIENTS INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: PRESCRIBING, DRUG USE PROMOTION DISGUISED: COMPANY GENERATED MAGAZINE ARTICLES SPONSORSHIP: COMPANY FINANCED INSTITUTES SPONSORSHIP: INDIVIDUALS SPONSORSHIP: RESEARCH