Healthy Skepticism Library item: 18397

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

Kon P
WHO and pandemic flu: GlaxoSmithKline UK responds
BMJ 2010 Jun 29; 340:
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/340/jun29_4/c3464

Abstract:

Cohen and Carter explore whether the World Health Organization should have taken advice from experts who had declarable financial and research ties with pharmaceutical companies producing antivirals and influenza vaccines, including GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).1 Can experts provide advice on public health issues such as pandemic flu, as well as help to develop medicines and vaccines for these same health issues?

It is understandable that WHO and research based pharmaceutical companies would seek the same world experts for their respective purposes. Indeed, expertise could be compromised if those that have worked with industry are not able to advise on public health issues. Similarly, without outside advice the development of drugs to meet patients’ needs and address public health issues would not be possible.

To help manage the potential conflict of interest highlighted by Cohen and Carter, disclosure of financial relationships with industry is clearly important. We agree that transparency over the relationships . . .