Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9969

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

Mintzes B.
Should patient groups accept money from drug companies? No
BMJ 2007 May 5; 334:(7600):935
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/334/7600/935

Abstract:

Patient groups provide valuable support and advocacy for vulnerable people but funding the work can be difficult. Alastair Kent argues that not accepting industry money will unnecessarily limit the groups’ effectiveness, but Barbara Mintzes believes that the money undermines their independence

Patient groups provide information, advice, and support; represent patients on governmental committees; and speak in the media on behalf of patients. They can be a voice for someone who faces pain, invasive procedures, isolation, disability, and at times discrimination and poor medical care. However, a different view emerges in the pharmaceutical marketing literature, of “allies to help advance brand objectives”.1

Can patient groups provide impartial information and represent people who are ill if they are funded by companies that sell products to treat those illnesses? I believe that the conflict of interest inherent in such a relationship makes this difficult. For patients there are three key risks:

Disguised promotion channelled through a seemingly neutral third party

Confusion between patients’ and sponsors’ interests in policy of patient groups

Inadequate representation when those interests diverge.

How big is the problem?
Industry funding of patient groups is common. Ball et al examined websites of 69 patient groups . . .

Evidence of influence

Pressure on reimbursement agencies

Does disclosure ensure independence?

Notes:

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