There is quite extensive evidence that pharmaceutical industry charitable and educational grants have been abused to influence public health and public policy decisions improperly.
Purportedly educational programs sponsored by industry may improperly promote drugs, including for off-label uses. Policy think tanks and advocacy groups that receive funding from the pharmaceutical industry often weigh in on important policy debates -- for example, in op-ed pieces -- without disclosing their industry ties.
Patient organizations receiving industry support often tout products sold by corporate donors, and may over-promote diseases and drug treatments sold by their corporate donors, but rarely fail to highlight safety concerns.
Disclosing industry funding to charitable and educational organizations is by no means a complete cure for these and related problems but it is a start.
With allies, Essential Action has launched a campaign of public health advocacy organizations calling for such disclosures.
One major pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly, has recently began publishing its charitable and educational contributions, at least in the United States.
Purportedly educational programs sponsored by industry may improperly promote drugs, including for off-label uses. Policy think tanks and advocacy groups that receive funding from the pharmaceutical industry often weigh in on important policy debates -- for example, in op-ed pieces -- without disclosing their industry ties.
Patient organizations receiving industry support often tout products sold by corporate donors, and may over-promote diseases and drug treatments sold by their corporate donors, but rarely fail to highlight safety concerns.
Disclosing industry funding to charitable and educational organizations is by no means a complete cure for these and related problems but it is a start.
With allies, Essential Action has launched a campaign of public health advocacy organizations calling for such disclosures.
One major pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly, has recently began publishing its charitable and educational contributions, at least in the United States.
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