Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2423

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: news

Frith M.
Exposed: Vioxx firm's cash payments made to arthritis charities
The Independent Online ( UK ) 2005 Aug 24
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/legal/article307885.ece

Abstract: Exposed: Vioxx firm’s cash payments made to arthritis charities By Maxine Frith, Social Affairs Correspondent Published: 24 August 2005

Leading arthritis charities have accepted thousands of pounds in sponsorship and donations from Merck, the drugs company that stands accused of deliberately suppressing information about the health risks of its painkiller Vioxx.

The financial links with the pharmaceutical giant have led some critics to accuse charities of a potential conflict of interest, particularly where they run helplines offering supposedly impartial advice on treatments and pain relief to patients.

Article Length: 985 words (approx.)

Keywords:
Vioxx Merck charities

Notes:

Ralph Faggotter’s Comments: One of the more dubious activities of the pharmaceutical industry is the financial support of disease specific charities and patient support groups.
He who pays the piper calls the tune, and patient support groups can be manipulated into supporting a particular drug or a particular approach to disease management which involves emphasising pharmacotherapy to the exclusion of other approaches.