Healthy Skepticism Library item: 1936

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

Shuchman M.
The Olivieri dispute: no end in sight?
CMAJ 2002 Feb 19; 166:(4):487
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/166/4/487, http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/reprint/166/4/487.pdf

Abstract:

The newsmaking potential of the Olivieri story reflects larger questions. Do drug companies silence researchers? Have academic institutions put their interest in wealthy donors above all others? Are research subjects adequately protected? The deliberation of several groups has put Olivieri back in the spotlight. In October, three professors released a report commissioned by the Canadian Association of University Teachers. It largely favours Olivieri. The professors also called for changes in Canada’s Food and Drugs Act and recommended that hospitals change how they investigate physicians. Olivieri says the report has fully vindicated her. HSC responded to the report, saying it had implemented new research policies, adding: “This dispute is closed and attempts to revive it are counterproductive.” In 1999 Olivieri and two colleagues complained to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario about Gideon Koren, an HSC doctor who sent them “poison-pen” letters. In November, the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board ordered CPSO to refer the case for a disciplinary hearing. In December, CPSO decided in Olivieri’s favour on alleged ethical transgressions. Shortly after, HSC told Olivieri it would not take the investigation further. Although Olivieri appears to have won her battles with Apotex, HSC and UT, she and her supporters are still pursuing grievances against UT and ongoing litigation with Apotex. In her newspaper commentary on the CAUT report, she concluded: “Not one of us believes that the report represents the end of this struggle”

Keywords:
news story Canada Olivieri Apotex University of Toronto conflict-of-interest ETHICAL ISSUES IN PROMOTION: ETHICS OF TRIALS PROMOTION DISGUISED: DISINFORMATION AND HARASSMENT SPONSORSHIP: RESEARCH