Blumsohn, P&G and Sheffield University contd.

This case has been reported previously here:

http://pharmagossip.blogspot.com/2005/12/pg-whistleblower-gag-attempt-fails.html

Universities have long accepted funding from Big Pharma to conduct clinical drug trials. But in the past, their professors insisted on running those trials independently of the sponsor. As the Blumsohn case makes clear, this arm's-length relationship appears to be breaking down.

Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported on the growing willingness of some academics to sign their names—and lend their prestige—to articles and editorials penned by drug-company ghostwriters.

In addition to the Vioxx episode, recent reports indicate that published academic studies related to the drugs Celebrex, Paxil, and Zoloft appear to have been skewed when their authors permitted the suppression of negative results.

The Blumsohn case is still ongoing. The latest update is here:

http://www.slate.com/id/2133061/?nav=fo