Healthy Skepticism Library item: 17210

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

Aldis WL
Industry influence: Big Pharma’s long tentacles
BMJ 2010 Feb 16;
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/340/feb16_1/c941

Abstract:

The BMJ gives two more examples of penetration by the pharmaceutical industry into what, in a better world, would be protected places: Harvard Medical School1 and the World Health Organization.2

In this atmosphere of hidden payments and conflict of interest, medical professionals still go with some confidence to journals such as the BMJ, and the general public to trusted media such as the New York Times. It is distressing therefore to come across an article in the New York Times calling into question the safety and effectiveness of generic medicines.3 It has already met with warm approval on the internet, especially on pharmaceutical industry sponsored websites.

But before suspicion of generic drugs becomes received wisdom under the imprimatur of the New York Times, the subject deserves a closer look.

By introducing the subject as a problem of generic v brand products, the author plays into the hands . . .