Setting the Record Straight on Transparency
Clinical Trial News Wednesday, March 28th, 2012Phrma.org: by Karl Uhlendorf on 3/23/2012.
There’s been some chatter in the blogosphere lately around our sector’s commitment to transparency in clinical trials, with an unfortunate lack of clarity and context. To set the record straight, here’s a quick historical overview of our considerable and consistent efforts in this important area.
It should be well recognized by readers of The Catalyst that clinical research is a core element of the R&D process for new medicines. As such, PhRMA member companies have an inherent interest and responsibility in helping to ensure objectivity in research and enhancing the transparency in clinical trials. This commitment is reflected in many ways, including our adoption and continued strengthening of related guiding principles.
PhRMA’s publication, Principles on Conduct of Clinical Trials and Communication of Clinical Trial Results, has been a valuable guide to member companies since its origin in October 2002. The Principles were revised in 2004, and then again strengthened in 2009. Why? Because as with all of our voluntary guidance documents, PhRMA and its member companies pursue policies and practices that best serve the needs of patients and the healthcare community, revisiting them as necessary to ensure they are appropriately up to date and relevant. Read More
