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Gupta R, Ramachandran R, Ross JS. Tackling the excesses of pharmaceutical marketing and promotion. BMJ 2024; 385:e076797. [PMID: 38772671 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Gupta
- Divison of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Reshma Ramachandran
- Collaboration for Regulatory Rigor, Integrity, and Transparency (CRRIT), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine and National Clinician Scholars Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joseph S Ross
- Collaboration for Regulatory Rigor, Integrity, and Transparency (CRRIT), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine and National Clinician Scholars Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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2
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Lexchin J. Complaints about Violations of Voluntary and Pharmaceutical Industry-Run Medicine Promotion Codes in Canada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 53:518-527. [PMID: 36938584 PMCID: PMC10631264 DOI: 10.1177/27551938231165158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Although regulation of pharmaceutical promotion in Canada is covered under the Food & Drugs Act and Regulations, in practice it is regulated by two codes, one a code administered by the Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board and a second one controlled by Innovative Medicines Canada, the lobby organization for the large majority of the Canadian and foreign-owned pharmaceutical companies operating in Canada. This study examines complaints about code violations between 2012 and 2021 and puts those complaints and their outcomes into the context of the stringency of the codes, their governance, monitoring, penalties for violations, and compliance by companies. It combines the findings from this analysis with international experience with industry-run codes and concludes that overall, the Canadian codes are ineffective in controlling promotion. Finally, it offers recommendations for how regulation can be improved and how doctors' reliance on information from pharmaceutical companies can be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Lexchin
- School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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3
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Mulinari S, Ozieranski P. Unethical pharmaceutical marketing: a common problem requiring collective responsibility. BMJ 2023; 382:e076173. [PMID: 37726130 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shai Mulinari
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Piotr Ozieranski
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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4
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Eisenkraft Klein D, Lexchin J, Sud A, Bavli I. Pharmaceutical company responses to Canadian opioid advertising restrictions: A framing analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287861. [PMID: 37384735 PMCID: PMC10310031 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry's promotion of opioids in North America has been well-documented. Yet despite the clear consequences of improperly classifying pharmaceutical company messaging and frequently permissive approaches that allow the pharmaceutical industry to self-regulate its own advertising, there has been scarce investigation to date of how pharmaceutical industry stakeholders interpret definitions of "advertising." This study explores how variations of "marketing" and "advertising" are strategically framed by the different actors involved in the manufacturing and distribution of pharmaceutical opioids. We employed a framing analysis of industry responses to Health Canada's letter to Canadian manufacturers and distributors of opioids requesting their commitment to voluntarily cease all marketing and advertising of opioids to health care professionals. Our findings highlight companies' continuing efforts to frame their messaging as "information" and "education" rather than "advertising" in ways that serve their interests. This study also calls attention to the industry's continual efforts to promote self-regulation and internal codes of conduct within a highly permissive federal regulatory framework with little concern for violations or serious consequences. While this framing often occurring out of public sight, this study highlights the subtle means through which the industry attempts to frame their promotion strategies away from "marketing". These framing strategies have significant consequences for the pharmaceutical industry's capacity to influence healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joel Lexchin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abhimanyu Sud
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Humber River Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Itai Bavli
- Department of the History of Science, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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5
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Fulone I, Cadogan C, Barberato-Filho S, Bergamaschi CC, Mazzei LG, Lopes LP, Silva MT, Lopes LC. Pharmaceutical policies: effects of policies regulating drug marketing. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 6:CD013780. [PMID: 37288951 PMCID: PMC10250001 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013780.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The costs of developing new treatments and bringing them to the market are substantial. The pharmaceutical industry uses drug promotion to gain a competitive market share, and drive sale volumes and industry profitability. This involves disseminating information about new treatments to relevant targets. However, conflicts of interest can arise when profits are prioritised over patient care and its benefits. Drug promotion regulations are complex interventions that aim to prevent potential harm associated with these activities. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of policies that regulate drug promotion on drug utilisation, coverage or access, healthcare utilisation, patient outcomes, adverse events and costs. SEARCH METHODS We searched Epistemonikos for related reviews and their included studies. To find primary studies we searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, EconLit, Global Index Medicus, Virtual Health Library, INRUD Bibliography, two trial registries and two sources of grey literature. All databases and sources were searched in January 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA We planned to include studies that assessed policies regulating drug promotion to consumers, healthcare professionals or regulators and third-party payers, or any combination of these groups.In this review we defined policies as laws, rules, guidelines, codes of practice, and financial or administrative orders made by governments, non-government organisations or private insurers. One of the following outcomes had to be reported: drug utilisation, coverage or access, healthcare utilisation, patient health outcomes, any adverse effects (unintended consequences), and costs. The study had to be a randomised or non-randomised trial, an interrupted time series analysis (ITS), a repeated measures (RM) study or a controlled before-after (CBA) study. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least two review authors independently assessed eligibility for inclusion of studies. When consensus was not reached, any disagreements were discussed with a third review author. We planned to use the criteria suggested by Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) to assess the risk of bias of included studies. For randomised trials, non-randomised trials, and CBA studies, we planned to estimate relative effects, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). For dichotomous outcomes, we planned to report the risk ratio (RR) when possible and adjusted for baseline differences in the outcome measures. For ITS and RM, we planned to compute changes along two dimensions: change in level and change in slope. We planned to undertake a structured synthesis following EPOC guidance. MAIN RESULTS: The search yielded 4593 citations, and 13 studies were selected for full-text review. No study met the inclusion criteria. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We sought to assess the effects of policies that regulate drug promotion on drug use, coverage or access, use of health services, patient outcomes, adverse events, and costs, however we did not find studies that met the review's inclusion criteria. As pharmaceutical policies that regulate drug promotion have untested effects, their impact, as well as their positive and negative influences, is currently only a matter of opinion, debate, informal or descriptive reporting. There is an urgent need to assess the effects of pharmaceutical policies that regulate drug promotion using well-conducted studies with high methodological rigour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Fulone
- Pharmaceutical Science Graduate Course, University of Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cathal Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Luis Phillipe Lopes
- Pharmaceutical Science Graduate Course, University of Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luciane C Lopes
- Pharmaceutical Science Graduate Course, University of Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
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6
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Ozieranski P, Saito H, Rickard E, Mulinari S, Ozaki A. International comparison of pharmaceutical industry payment disclosures in the UK and Japan: implications for self-regulation, public regulation, and transparency. Global Health 2023; 19:14. [PMID: 36869318 PMCID: PMC9985252 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-022-00902-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-regulation of payment disclosure by pharmaceutical industry trade groups is a major global approach to increasing transparency of financial relationships between drug companies and healthcare professionals and organisations. Nevertheless, little is known about the relative strengths and weaknesses of self-regulation across countries, especially beyond Europe. To address this gap in research and stimulate international policy learning, we compare the UK and Japan, the likely strongest cases of self-regulation of payment disclosure in Europe and Asia, across three dimensions of transparency: disclosure rules, practices, and data. RESULTS The UK and Japanese self-regulation of payment disclosure had shared as well unique strengths and weaknesses. The UK and Japanese pharmaceutical industry trade groups declared transparency as the primary goal of payment disclosure, without, however, explaining the link between the two. The rules of payment disclosure in each country provided more insight into some payments but not others. Both trade groups did not reveal the recipients of certain payments by default, and the UK trade group also made the disclosure of some payments conditional on recipient consent. Drug company disclosure practices were more transparent in the UK, allowing for greater availability and accessibility of payment data and insight into underreporting or misreporting of payments by companies. Nevertheless, the share of payments made to named recipients was three times higher in Japan than in the UK, indicating higher transparency of disclosure data. CONCLUSIONS The UK and Japan performed differently across the three dimensions of transparency, suggesting that any comprehensive analysis of self-regulation of payment disclosure must triangulate analysis of disclosure rules, practices, and data. We found limited evidence to support key claims regarding the strengths of self-regulation, while often finding it inferior to public regulation of payment disclosure. We suggest how the self-regulation of payment disclosure in each country can be enhanced and, in the long run, replaced by public regulation to strengthen the industry's accountability to the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Ozieranski
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Hiroaki Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sendai Kousei Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Emily Rickard
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Shai Mulinari
- Department of Sociology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
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7
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Ozieranski P, Martinon L, Jachiet PA, Mulinari S. Tip of the Iceberg? Country- and Company-Level Analysis of Drug Company Payments for Research and Development in Europe. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:2842-2859. [PMID: 35297231 PMCID: PMC10105170 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2022.6575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Creating new therapies often involves drug companies paying healthcare professionals and institutions for research and development (R&D) activities, including clinical trials. However, industry sponsorship can create conflicts of interest (COIs). We analysed approaches to drug company R&D payment disclosure in European countries and the distribution of R&D payments at the country and company level. METHODS Using documentary sources and a stakeholder survey we identified country- regulatory approaches to R&D payment disclosure. We reviewed company-level descriptions of disclosure practices in the United Kingdom, a country with a major role in Europe's R&D. We obtained country-level R&D payment data from industry trade groups and public authorities and company-level data from eurosfordocs.eu, a publicly available payments database. We conducted content analysis and descriptive statistical analysis. RESULTS In 32 of 37 studied countries, all R&D payments were reported without named recipients, following a self-regulatory approach developed by the industry. The methodological descriptions from 125 companies operating in the United Kingdom suggest that within the self-regulatory approach companies had much leeway in deciding what activities and payments were considered as R&D. In five countries, legislation mandated the disclosure of R&D payment recipients, but only in two were payments practically identifiable and analysable. In 17 countries with available data, R&D constituted 19%-82% of all payments reported, with self-regulation associated with higher shares. Available company-level data from three countries with self-regulation suggests that R&D payments were concentrated by big funders, and some companies reported all, or nearly all, payments as R&D. CONCLUSION The lack of full disclosure of R&D payments in countries with industry self-regulation leaves considerable sums of money unaccounted for and potentially many COIs undetected. Disclosure mandated by legislation exists in few countries and rarely enhances transparency practically. We recommend a unified European approach to R&D payment disclosure, including clear definitions and a centralised database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Ozieranski
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | | | - Shai Mulinari
- Department of Sociology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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8
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Pashley D, Ozieranski P, Mulinari S. Disclosure of Pharmaceutical Industry Funding of Patient Organisations in Nordic Countries: Can Industry Self-Regulation Deliver on its Transparency Promise? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SERVICES 2022; 52:347-362. [PMID: 35230175 PMCID: PMC9203660 DOI: 10.1177/00207314221083871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical companies regularly fund patient organizations. It is important for patient organizations’ credibility that there be transparency regarding this financial support. In Europe, the pharmaceutical industry promises to deliver transparency through self-regulation, as opposed to legally binding provisions, but self-regulation's effectiveness is contested. We compared the industry's transparency of funding in four Nordic countries that, given their general reputation for high transparency, offered a critical test of self-regulation's ability to deliver on its transparency promise. For 2017–2019, we compared: national rules regarding funding disclosure; disclosure practices as evidenced by the availability, accessibility, and format of company transparency reports; and disclosure data, including payment descriptions and sums. Transparency problems differed in kind and magnitude between countries. In Norway and Finland, unlike in Sweden and Denmark, data on funding were difficult to access and analyze and sometimes seemed incomplete or missing. We explain that a key factor allowing for country differences is the freedom given to a country's pharmaceutical industry trade associations to form self-regulatory rules, provided they do not fall below the weak, European-level minimum requirements. Transparency could be improved by aligning rules and practices with the FAIR data principles: that is, corporate disclosures should be findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Pashley
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, 5193Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Piotr Ozieranski
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, 1555University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Shai Mulinari
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, 5193Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Ozieranski P, Martinon L, Jachiet PA, Mulinari S. Accessibility and quality of drug company disclosures of payments to healthcare professionals and organisations in 37 countries: a European policy review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e053138. [PMID: 34916317 PMCID: PMC8679071 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the accessibility and quality of drug company payment data in Europe. DESIGN Comparative policy review of payment data in countries with different regulatory approaches to disclosure. SETTING 37 European countries. PARTICIPANTS European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, its trade group and their drug company members; eurosfordocs.eu, an independent database integrating payments disclosed by companies and trade groups; regulatory bodies overseeing payment disclosure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Regulatory approaches to disclosure (self-regulation, public regulation, combination of the two); data accessibility (format, structure, searchability, customisable summary statistics, downloadability) and quality (spectrum of disclosed characteristics, payment aggregation, inclusion of taxes, recipient or donor identifiers). RESULTS Of 30 countries with self-regulation, five had centralised databases, with Disclosure UK displaying the highest accessibility and quality. In 23 of the remaining countries with self-regulation and available data, disclosures were published in the portable document format (PDF) on individual company websites, preventing the public from understanding payment patterns. Eurosfordocs.eu had greater accessibility than any industry-run database, but the match between the value of payments integrated in eurosfordocs.eu and summarised separately by industry in seven countries ranged between 56% and 100% depending on country. Eurosfordocs.eu shared quality shortcomings with the underlying industry data, including ambiguities in identifying payments and their recipients. Public regulation was found in 15 countries, used either alone (3), in combination (4) or in parallel with (8) self-regulation. Of these countries, 13 established centralised databases with widely ranging accessibility and quality, and sharing some shortcomings with the industry-run databases. The French database, Transparence Santé, had the highest accessibility and quality, exceeding that of Disclosure UK. CONCLUSIONS The accessibility and quality of payment data disclosed in European countries are typically low, hindering investigation of financial conflicts of interest. Some improvements are straightforward but reaching the standards characterising the widely researched US Open Payments database requires major regulatory change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Ozieranski
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, Centre for the Analysis of Social Policy, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | | | - Shai Mulinari
- Department of Sociology, Lunds Universitet, Lund, Sweden
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10
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Saghy E, Mulinari S, Ozieranski P. Drug company payments to General Practices in England: Cross-sectional and social network analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261077. [PMID: 34874975 PMCID: PMC8651134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there has been extensive research on pharmaceutical industry payments to healthcare professionals, healthcare organisations with key roles in health systems have received little attention. We seek to contribute to addressing this gap in research by examining drug company payments to General Practices in England in 2015. We combine a publicly available payments database managed by the pharmaceutical industry with datasets covering key practice characteristics. We find that practices were an important target of company payments, receiving £2,726,018, equivalent to 6.5% of the value of payments to all healthcare organisations in England. Payments to practices were highly concentrated and specific companies were also highly dominant. The top 10 donors and the top 10 recipients amassed 87.9% and 13.6% of the value of payments, respectively. Practices with more patients, a greater proportion of elderly patients, and those in more affluent areas received significantly more payments on average. However, the patterns of payments were similar across England's regions. We also found that company networks-established by making payments to the same practices-were largely dominated by a single company, which was also by far the biggest donor. Greater policy attention is required to the risk of financial dependency and conflicts of interests that might arise from payments to practices and to organisational conflicts of interests more broadly. Our research also demonstrates that the comprehensiveness and quality of payment data disclosed via industry self-regulatory arrangements needs improvement. More interconnectivity between payment data and other datasets is needed to capture company marketing strategies systematically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Saghy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Shai Mulinari
- Department of Sociology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Piotr Ozieranski
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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11
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Moriarty F, Larkin J, Fahey T. Payments reported by the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland from 2015 to 2019: An observational study. Health Policy 2021; 125:1297-1304. [PMID: 34429238 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pharmaceutical industry makes large numbers of payments to healthcare organisations (HCOs) and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Ireland has a large pharmaceutical industry presence and national debate on legislating for greater industry payment transparency. This study characterises payments in Ireland to HCPs and HCOs during 2015-2019, and the content, consistency and methodology of the data source. METHODS An observational study of TransfersOfValue.ie, the disclosure website for the Irish Pharmaceutical Health Association pharmaceutical companies. We conducted a quantitative analysis, summarising payments to HCOs, HCPs and for research and development (R&D). We quantified disclosure rates of names for HCP and HCO payment recipients. We also conducted a content analysis of the methodology notes and website content. RESULTS Payments totalling €163 million were reported by 47 companies during 2015-2019, €84.6 million for R&D, with non-R&D payments of €45.1 million to HCOs and €33.6 million to HCPs. HCOs were named for 91.2% of payments, and HCPs for 55.1-62.8% across study years. For 2019, ten companies disclosed >€1 million in payments, and three disclosed >€1 million in HCO and HCP payments. Content analysis of 132 data reports and 46 methodology notes indicated substantial variation in methodologies for reporting between companies. CONCLUSIONS There are substantial payments in Ireland, often the recipient is undisclosed, and companies differ in their reporting. A mandatory disclosure system could enhance transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Moriarty
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 123 St Stephen's Green 2, Dublin, Ireland; Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - James Larkin
- Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tom Fahey
- Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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12
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GPs' perceptions of their relationship with the pharmaceutical industry: a qualitative study. BJGP Open 2021; 5:BJGPO.2021.0057. [PMID: 34353789 PMCID: PMC8596315 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2021.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The pharmaceutical industry invests heavily in promoting medications to physicians. This promotion may influence physicians’ prescribing behaviour and lead to inappropriately increased prescribing rates. Aim To understand GPs’ experience of interacting with the pharmaceutical industry, and explore their views and perceptions of the impact of this interaction in general practice in Ireland. Design & setting A qualitative design was used, and GPs practicing in Ireland were eligible. Method A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques was applied and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to develop themes from the data. Results Twenty-one GPs and one GP trainee participated. Five themes were developed: 1) GP and pharmaceutical industry interface; 2) the industry’s methods of influence; 3) the uncomfortable relationship between GPs and industry; 4) GPs’ perceptions of being unconsciously influenced; and 5) GPs’ lack of knowledge of relevant regulations. Participants interacted with pharmaceutical representatives in their surgery and through continuing professional development (CPD). Reported methods of influence included biased information and the offer of gifts. Most participants felt their prescribing was unconsciously influenced. A minority felt that they were only influenced in a way that improved their prescribing. Conclusion The study shows that there can be a lack of clarity among GPs about relevant regulations and about the potential impact on prescribing of interactions with the pharmaceutical industry. Education of trainees and GPs has the potential to address this. Restrictions on interactions with the pharmaceutical industry may also play a role, although alternative CPD funding sources would need to be established.
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13
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Yimenu DK, Demeke CA, Kasahun AE, Siraj EA, Wendalem AY, Bazezew ZA, Atsbeha BW, Mekuria AB. Health professional's exposure, attitude, and acceptance of drug promotion by industry representatives: A cross-sectional study in Ethiopia. Sci Prog 2021; 104:368504211029435. [PMID: 34191639 PMCID: PMC10454790 DOI: 10.1177/00368504211029435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between pharmaceutical companies and health care providers have long been an area of interest from ethical as well as scientific grounds. The information provided by those companies must be scientifically accurate and fair. The current study aimed to investigate the exposure, attitude, and training background of medical doctors and pharmacy professionals regarding drug promotional activities, and assess their acceptance of promotional gifts provided by pharmaceutical sales representatives. A cross-sectional study was conducted on medical doctors and pharmacy professionals working at Bahir Dar and Gondar cities, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 was used for analysis. A Chi-square test was computed to investigate the presence of an association between the dependent and independent variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to declare significance at a 95% Confidence Interval (CI). A total of 105 health professionals, 81 pharmacy professionals, and 24 medical doctors have participated in the study. Above two-thirds of the respondents (69.5%) agreed that most talks sponsored by drug companies were helpful and educational. On the other hand, 39% of the respondents agreed and 47.6% disagreed that receiving gifts from pharmaceutical representatives will increase the chance that they will eventually sell or recommend the drug company's products. The majority of the study participants (81%) preferred drug samples and stationery as appropriate gifts by pharmaceutical sales representatives. Significant gaps were found regarding the training of health professionals about the ethics of drug marketing and how to deal with pharmaceutical representatives. Policies aiming at restricting health care provider's contacts with pharmaceutical companies during residency training along with incorporating gift restriction policies could bring significant improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Kumilachew Yimenu
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Chilot Abiyu Demeke
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Asmamaw Emagn Kasahun
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ebrahim Abdela Siraj
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Adane Yehualaw Wendalem
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Zegaye Agmassie Bazezew
- Department of medicinal chemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Berhanemeskel Weldegerima Atsbeha
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Basazn Mekuria
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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14
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Fulone I, Cadogan CA, Cuadrado C, Barberato-Filho S, Bergamaschi CC, Mazzei LG, Silva MT, Lopes LC. Pharmaceutical policies: effects of policies regulating drug marketing. Hippokratia 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Fulone
- Pharmaceutical Science Graduate Course; University of Sorocaba; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Cathal A Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; Dublin Ireland
| | - Cristóbal Cuadrado
- School of Public Health; Universidad de Chile; Santiago Chile
- Centre for Health Economics; University of York; York UK
| | | | | | | | - Marcus T Silva
- Pharmaceutical Science Graduate Course; University of Sorocaba; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Luciane C Lopes
- Pharmaceutical Science Graduate Course; University of Sorocaba; São Paulo Brazil
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Ozieranski P, Csanádi M, Rickard E, Mulinari S. Under-reported relationship: a comparative study of pharmaceutical industry and patient organisation payment disclosures in the UK (2012-2016). BMJ Open 2020; 10:e037351. [PMID: 32950962 PMCID: PMC7511620 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the under-reporting of pharmaceutical company payments to patient organisations by donors and recipients. DESIGN Comparative descriptive analysis of payments disclosed on drug company and charity regulator websites. SETTING UK. PARTICIPANTS 87 donors (drug companies) and 425 recipients (patient organisations) reporting payments in 2012-2016. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Number and value of payments reported by donors and recipients; differences in reported payments from/to the same donors and recipients; payments reported in either dataset but not the other one; agreement between donor-recipient ties established by payments; overlap between donor and recipient lists and, respectively, industry and patient organisation data. RESULTS Of 87 donors, 63 (72.4%) reported payments but 84 (96.6%) were mentioned by recipients. Although donors listed 425 recipients, only 200 (47.1%) reported payments. The number and value of payments reported by donors were 259.8% and 163.7% greater than those reported by recipients, respectively. The number of donors with matching payment numbers and values in both datasets were 3.4% and 0.0%, respectively; for recipients these figures were 7.8% and 1.9%. There were 24 and 3 donors missing from industry and patient organisation data during the entire study period, representing 38.1% and 3.6% of those in the respective datasets. The share of donor-recipient ties in which industry and patient organisation data agreed about donors and recipients was 38.9% and 68.4% in each dataset, respectively. Of 63 donors reporting payments, only 3 (4.8%) had their recipient lists fully overlapping with patient organisation data. Of 200 recipients reporting industry funding, 102 (51.0%) had their donor lists fully overlapping with industry data. CONCLUSIONS Both donors and recipients under-reported payments. Existing donor and recipient disclosure systems cannot manage potential conflicts of interest associated with industry payments. Increased standardisation could limit the under-reporting by each side but only an integrated donor-recipient database could eliminate it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emily Rickard
- Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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Diep D, Mosleh-Shirazi A, Lexchin J. Quality of advertisements for prescription drugs in family practice medical journals published in Australia, Canada and the USA with different regulatory controls: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e034993. [PMID: 32690502 PMCID: PMC7371147 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess if different forms of regulation lead to differences in the quality of journal advertisements. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS Thirty advertisements from family practice journals published from 2013 to 2015 were extracted for three countries with distinct regulatory pharmaceutical promotion systems: Australia, Canada and the USA. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Advertisements under each regulatory system were compared concerning three domains: information included in the advertisement, references to scientific evidence and pictorial appeals and portrayals. An overall ranking for advertisement quality among countries was determined using the first two domains as the information assessed has been associated with more appropriate prescribing. RESULTS Advertisements varied significantly for number of claims with quantitative benefit (Australia: 0.0 (0.0-3.0); Canada: 0.0 (0.0-5.0); USA: 1.0 (0.0-6.0); p=0.01); statistical method used in reporting benefit (relative risk reduction, absolute risk reduction and number needed to treat; Australia: 6.7%, n=2; Canada: 10.0%, n=3; USA: 36.6%, n=11; p=0.02); mention of adverse effects, warnings or contraindications (Australia: 13.3%, n=4; Canada: 23.3%, n=7; USA: 53.3%, n=16; p=0.002); equal prominence between safety and benefit information (Australia: 25.0%, n=1; Canada: 28.6%, n=2; USA: 75.0%, n=12; p=0.04); and methodological quality of references score (Australia: 0.4150 (0.25-0.70); Canada: 0.25 (0.00-0.63); USA: 0.25 (0.00-0.75); p<0.001). The USA ranked first, Canada second and Australia third for overall quality of journal advertisements. Significant differences for humour appeals (Australia: 3.3%, n=1; Canada: 13.3%, n=4; USA: 26.7%, n=8; p=0.04), positive emotional appeals (Australia: 26.7%, n=8; Canada: 60.0%, n=18; USA: 50.0%, n=15; p=0.03), social approval portrayals (Australia: 0.0%, n=0; Canada: 0.0%, n=0; USA: 10.0%, n=3; p=0.04) and lifestyle or work portrayals (Australia: 43.3%, n=13; Canada: 50.0%, n=15; USA: 76.7%, n=23; p=0.02) were found among countries. CONCLUSIONS Different regulatory systems influence journal advertisement quality concerning all measured domains. However, differences may also be attributed to other regulatory, legal, cultural or health system factors unique to each country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dion Diep
- University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Joel Lexchin
- School of Health Policy & Management, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Five years of pharmaceutical industry funding of patient organisations in Sweden: Cross-sectional study of companies, patient organisations and drugs. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235021. [PMID: 32579571 PMCID: PMC7313941 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many patient organisations collaborate with drug companies, resulting in concerns about commercial agendas influencing patient advocacy. We contribute to an international body of knowledge on patient organisation-industry relations by considering payments reported in the industry’s centralised ‘collaboration database’ in Sweden. We also investigate possible commercial motives behind the funding by assessing its association with drug commercialisation. Methods Our primary data source were 1,337 payment reports from 2014–2018. After extraction and coding, we analysed the data descriptively, calculating the number, value and distribution of payments for various units of analysis, e.g. individual companies, diseases and payment goals. The association between drug commercialisation and patient organisation funding was assessed by, first, the concordance between leading companies marketing drugs in specific diseases and their funding of corresponding patient organisations and, second, the correlation between new drugs in broader condition areas and payments to corresponding patient organisations. Results 46 companies reported paying €6,449.224 (median €2,411; IQR €1,024–4,569) to 77 patient organisations, but ten companies provided 67% of the funding. Small payments dominated, many of which covered costs of events organised by patient organisations. An association existed between drug commercialisation and industry funding. Companies supported patient organisations in diseases linked to their drug portfolios, with the top 3 condition areas in terms of funding–cancer; endocrine, nutritional and metabolic disorders; and infectious and parasitic disorders–accounting for 63% of new drugs and 56% of the funding. Conclusion This study reveals close and widespread ties between patient organisations and drug companies. A relatively few number of companies dominated the funding landscape by supporting patient organisations in disease areas linked to their drug portfolios. This commercially motivated funding may contribute to inequalities in resource and influence between patient organisations. The association between drug commercialisation and industry funding is also worrying because of the therapeutic uncertainty of many new drugs. Our analysis benefited from the existence of a centralised database of payments–which should be adopted by other countries too–but databases should be downloadable in an analysable format to permit efficient and independent analysis.
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Rickard E, Ozieranski P, Mulinari S. Evaluating the transparency of pharmaceutical company disclosure of payments to patient organisations in the UK. Health Policy 2019; 123:1244-1250. [PMID: 31455562 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Patient organisations contribute to many areas of pharmaceutical policy. In developing their organisational capacity, many turn to financial support from pharmaceutical companies, which may create conflicts of interests. However, the transparency of the industry's self-regulatory approach to the disclosure of payments to patient organisations has evaded scrutiny. Using company reports disclosing payments to UK patient organisations in 2012-2016, we evaluate the transparency of reporting using indicators derived from industry's European patient organisation Code. We found a large proportion of companies did not have any disclosure reports available despite many having made payments, confirmed by comparing with annual financial accounts of patient organisations registered as charities. Where disclosure reports were available, many payments were not adequately described, resulting in large portions of money being disclosed without clarity as to the payment type and purpose. We found companies were clearer regarding whether payments were financial or benefits-in-kind, but transparency was particularly inadequate as to whether it could be determined if payments were indirect or direct and restricted or unrestricted, and almost no companies mentioned the VAT status of payments. Our findings suggest that the industry's self-regulatory approach to transparency has not been working efficiently. We suggest ways for standardising and increasing the precision of information by pharmaceutical companies and advocate for the introduction of a centralised, and easily accessible national-level payment database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Rickard
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK.
| | - Piotr Ozieranski
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK
| | - Shai Mulinari
- Department of Sociology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Leonardo Alves T, Lexchin J, Mintzes B. Medicines Information and the Regulation of the Promotion of Pharmaceuticals. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2019; 25:1167-1192. [PMID: 29721844 PMCID: PMC6647516 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-018-0041-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Many factors contribute to the inappropriate use of medicines, including not only a lack of information but also inaccurate and misleading promotional information. This review examines how the promotion of pharmaceuticals directly affects the prescribing and use of medicines. We define promotion broadly as all actions taken directly by pharmaceutical companies with the aim of enhancing product sales. We look in greater detail at promotion techniques aimed at prescribers, such as sales representatives, pharmaceutical advertisements in medical journals and use of key opinion leaders, along with the quality of information provided and the effects thereof. We also discuss promotion to the public, through direct-to-consumer advertising, and its effects. Finally, we consider initiatives to regulate promotion that come from industry, government and nongovernmental organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Leonardo Alves
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, PO Box 80 082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Joel Lexchin
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Barbara Mintzes
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Cohen D, Mulinari S, Ozieranski P. The whistleblowing drama behind Astellas's suspension from the ABPI. BMJ 2019; 366:l4353. [PMID: 31266743 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l4353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shai Mulinari
- Department of Sociology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Piotr Ozieranski
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, UK
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Song SY, Lee JH, Kim SC, Choi JW, Bae J, Kim E. Complaints addressed by regulatory authorities in drug advertising targeted at consumers: Cases across three, different countries. Res Social Adm Pharm 2018; 15:1274-1279. [PMID: 30552049 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Misleading advertisements can affect behavior of both consumers and prescribers and may lead to inappropriate use of medications. OBJECTIVE To analyze the complaints upheld by regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia regarding pharmaceutical advertising directed at consumers. METHODS Complaints addressed between January 2014 and June 2017 were retrieved from the websites of regulatory authorities. Complaints addressed by self-regulatory bodies were not included due to the poor availability of data. RESULTS Sixty complaints, 374 complaints, and 223 complaints from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, respectively, were analyzed. In the United Kingdom, the most frequent type of violation was advertising of prescription drugs (70.5%); most of these violations involved botulinum toxin. In Canada, advertising on online media was more likely to be associated with prescription drugs than that on traditional media (P < 0.001). In Australia, advertising of prescription drugs accounted for less than 10% of complaints, but all were associated with online media. CONCLUSIONS In countries where direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs is prohibited, regulatory authorities may need to devise further strategies to safeguard the public as this is an unresolved issue and is predicted to become more problematic with the increased use of online media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Yeon Song
- Department of Health, Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University College of Pharmacy, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Hyei Lee
- The Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Industry Management, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seong Chul Kim
- The Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Industry Management, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin-Woo Choi
- The Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Industry Management, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jongwoo Bae
- The Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Industry Management, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - EunYoung Kim
- Department of Health, Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University College of Pharmacy, Seoul, South Korea; The Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Industry Management, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea.
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Mulinari S, Ozieranski P. Disclosure of payments by pharmaceutical companies to healthcare professionals in the UK: analysis of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry's Disclosure UK database, 2015 and 2016 cohorts. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e023094. [PMID: 30344175 PMCID: PMC6196800 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyse the section of Disclosure UK that pertains to healthcare professionals (HCPs) in order to provide insight into the database's structure and content and suggest ways to improve its transparency. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Cohort study of drug companies and HCPs in the 2015 and 2016 versions of Disclosure UK. RESULTS Companies report transfers of value (ToVs) to named HCPs or, where an HCP declines to consent, in aggregate. Only a limited number of variables describe the recipient HCP and the ToV, precluding refined analyses. In 2015, 107 companies reported 54 910 ToVs worth ₤50 967 728. In 2016, 109 companies reported ToVs but spending decreased by 7.3%. The spending was concentrated: the top 10 spenders reported about 50% of the total value, with consultancy-related payments comprising over 70%, and the rest being costs for events. In 2015, 55.5% (30 478) of ToVs worth ₤24 428 619 (47.9%) were disclosed at the individual HCP level, increasing to 64.5% (32 407) and ₤28 145 091 (59.2%) in 2016. Despite increased individual-level disclosure in 2016, the median number of ToVs reported by each company at the individual level was only 57.7%, with 25% of companies reporting less than 38.6%. We found little agreement (62%-48% in 2015 and 46%-30% in 2016) between HCP consent rates that we calculated based on information in the database and those provided by companies. CONCLUSIONS Key deficiencies in Disclosure UK include: insufficient information on payments and recipients, a relatively low HCP consent rate for individual-level disclosure, differences in consent rates across companies and payment types, and reporting ambiguities or inconsistencies. We employ these findings to develop recommendations for improving transparency, including an easily interpretable consent rate statistic that allows for comparison across years, firms and countries. If deficiencies remain unresolved, the UK should consider introducing legislation requiring mandatory disclosure to allow for adequate tracking of industry payments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai Mulinari
- Department of Sociology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Piotr Ozieranski
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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Vilhelmsson A, Mulinari S. Pharmaceutical lobbying and pandemic stockpiling of Tamiflu: a qualitative study of arguments and tactics. J Public Health (Oxf) 2018; 40:646-651. [PMID: 28977398 PMCID: PMC6166586 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdx101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about how pharmaceutical companies lobby authorities or experts regarding procurement or the use of vaccines and antivirals. This paper investigates how members of Denmark's pandemic planning committee experienced lobbying efforts by Roche, manufacturer of Tamiflu, the antiviral that was stockpiled before the 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic. Methods Analysis of interviews with six of seven members of the Danish core pandemic committee, supplemented with documentary analysis. We sought to identify (1) arguments and (2) tactics used in lobbying, and to characterize interviewees' views on the impact of (3) lobbying and (4) scientific evidence on the decision to stockpile Tamiflu. Results Roche lobbied directly (in its own name) and through a seemingly independent third party. Roche used two arguments: (1) the procurement agreement had to be signed quickly because the drug would be delivered on a first-come, first-served basis and (2) Denmark was especially vulnerable to an influenza crisis because it had smaller Tamiflu stocks than other countries. Most interviewees suspected that lobbying had an impact on Tamiflu procurement. Conclusions Our study highlights risks posed by pharmaceutical lobbying. Arguments and tactics deployed by Roche are likely to be repeated whenever many countries are negotiating drug procurements in a monopolistic market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Vilhelmsson
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lund University, Box 117, Lund, Sweden
- Division of Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, CRC, House 28 Floor 12, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Shai Mulinari
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lund University, Box 117, Lund, Sweden
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Fadare JO, Oshikoya KA, Ogunleye OO, Desalu OO, Ferrario A, Enwere OO, Adeoti A, Sunmonu TA, Massele A, Baker A, Godman B. Drug promotional activities in Nigeria: impact on the prescribing patterns and practices of medical practitioners and the implications. Hosp Pract (1995) 2018; 46:77-87. [PMID: 29426263 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2018.1437319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pharmaceutical companies spend significant amount of resources on promotion influencing the prescribing behavior of physicians. Drug promotion can negatively impact on rational prescribing, which may adversely affect the quality of patient care. However, little is known about these activities in Nigeria as the most populous country in Africa. We therefore aimed to explore the nature of encounters between Nigerian physicians and pharmaceutical sales representatives (PSRs), and how these encounters influence prescribing habits. METHODS Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted among practicing physicians working in tertiary hospitals in four regions of Nigeria. RESULTS 176 questionnaires were completed. 154 respondents (87.5%) had medicines promoted to them in the previous three months, with most encounters taking place in outpatients' clinics (60.2%), clinical meetings (46%) and new medicine launches (17.6%). Information about potential adverse effects and drug interactions was provided in 41.5%, and 27.3% of cases, respectively. Food, in the form of lunch or dinner, was the most common form of incentive (70.5%) given to physicians during promotional activities. 61% of physicians felt motivated to prescribe the drug promoted to them, with the quality of information provided being the driving factor. Most physicians (64.8%) would agree to some form of regulation of the relationship between medical doctors and the pharmaceutical industry. CONCLUSION Interaction between PSRs and physicians is a regular occurrence in Nigeria, influencing prescribing practices. Meals and cheap gifts were the most common items offered to physicians during their encounters with PSRs. The need for some form of regulation by professional organizations and the government was expressed by most respondents to address current concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph O Fadare
- a Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics , Ekiti State University , Ado-Ekiti , Nigeria
| | - Kazeem A Oshikoya
- b Department of Pharmacology , Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University College of Medicine , Lagos , Nigeria
| | - Olayinka O Ogunleye
- b Department of Pharmacology , Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University College of Medicine , Lagos , Nigeria
| | - Olufemi O Desalu
- c Department of Medicine , University of Ilorin , Ilorin , Nigeria
| | - Alessandra Ferrario
- d Department of Population Medicine , Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Okezie O Enwere
- e Department of Medicine , Imo State University , Orlu , Nigeria
| | - Adekunle Adeoti
- f Department of Medicine , Ekiti State University , Ado-Ekiti , Nigeria
| | | | - Amos Massele
- h Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Botswana , Gaborone , Botswana
| | - Amanj Baker
- i Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences , University of Strathclyde , Glasgow , UK
| | - Brian Godman
- i Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences , University of Strathclyde , Glasgow , UK
- j Division of Clinical Pharmacology , Karolinska Institute , Stockholm , Sweden
- k Health Economics Centre , Liverpool University Management School , Liverpool , UK
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Mulinari S, Davis C. Why European and United States drug regulators are not speaking with one voice on anti-influenza drugs: regulatory review methodologies and the importance of 'deep' product reviews. Health Res Policy Syst 2017; 15:93. [PMID: 29121959 PMCID: PMC5680823 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-017-0259-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relenza represents the first neuraminidase inhibitor (NI), a class of drugs that also includes the drug Tamiflu. Although heralded as breakthrough treatments in influenza, NI efficacy has remained highly controversial. A key unsettled question is why the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved more cautious efficacy statements in labelling than European regulators for both drugs. METHODS We conducted a qualitative analysis of United States and European Union regulatory appraisals for Relenza to investigate the reasons for divergent regulatory interpretations, pertaining to Relenza's capacity to alleviate symptoms and reduce frequency of complications of influenza. RESULTS In Europe, Relenza was evaluated via the so-called national procedure with Sweden as the reference country. We show that FDA reviewers, unlike their European (i.e. Swedish) counterpart, (1) rejected the manufacturer's insistence on pooling efficacy data, (2) remained wary of subgroup analyses, and (3) insisted on stringent statistical analyses. These differences meant that the FDA was less likely to depart from prevailing regulatory and scientific standards in interpreting trial results. We argue that the differences are explained largely by divergent institutionalised review methodologies, i.e. the European regulator's reliance on manufacturer-compiled summaries compared to the FDA's examination of original data and documentation from trials. CONCLUSIONS The FDA's more probing and meticulous evaluative methodology allowed its reviewers to develop 'deep' knowledge concerning the clinical and statistical facets of trials, and more informed opinions regarding suitable methods for analysing trial results. These findings challenge the current emphasis on evaluating regulatory performance mainly in terms of speed of review. We propose that persistent uncertainty and knowledge deficits regarding NIs could have been ameliorated had regulators engaged in the public debates over the drugs' efficacy and explained their contrasting methodologies and judgments. Regulators use major resources to evaluate drugs, but if regulators' assessments are not effectively disseminated and used, resources are used inefficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai Mulinari
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lund University, Box 117, 221 00, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Courtney Davis
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
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Bjerkeli PJ, Mulinari S, Zettermark S, Merlo J. Sociodemographic patterns in pharmacy dispensing of medications for erectile dysfunction in Sweden. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 74:209-218. [PMID: 29101427 PMCID: PMC5765196 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-017-2361-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic factors and pharmacy dispensing of medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) in the general population of middle-aged and elderly men. By considering a number of medical conditions that could promote or contraindicate use of ED medication, the analysis could help capture prescription patterns that might not be explained by medical needs. Methods Individual-level pharmacy dispensing data from 2006 for a population-based cohort of 216,148 men aged 45–79 years in the county Scania, Sweden, were analysed. Multiple logistic regression was applied, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to quantify the discriminatory accuracy (DA) of the associations. National trends in pharmacy dispensing of ED medication between 2006 and 2016 were also analysed. Results Pharmacy dispensing of ED medication increased between 2006 and 2016, particularly among men aged 65–79 years (from 6.8 to 9.2%). Dispensing of ED medication was positively associated with higher socioeconomic position, and divorced and widowed men were more likely to fill a prescription with ED medication than married men. These associations remained after adjusting for medical conditions. The DA of the associations was, however, rather low (AUC = 0.69 among 45–64 year olds and AUC = 0.65 among 65–79 year olds). Conclusions Pharmacy dispensing of ED medication seem linked to the individuals socioeconomic position, age and marital status suggesting sociodemographic disparities in the pharmacy dispensing targeting sexual function. However, the low DA of the associations shows the limited capacity of these factors to predict ED medication use at the individual level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernilla J Bjerkeli
- Unit for Social Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, CRC, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden. .,Department for Biomedicine and Public Health Research, University of Skövde, Box 408, SE 541 28, Skövde, Sweden.
| | - Shai Mulinari
- Unit for Social Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, CRC, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lund University, Box 114, SE-221 00, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sofia Zettermark
- Unit for Social Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, CRC, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Juan Merlo
- Unit for Social Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, CRC, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden
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Habibi R, Guénette L, Lexchin J, Reynolds E, Wiktorowicz M, Mintzes B. Regulating Information or Allowing Deception? Pharmaceutical Sales Visits in Canada, France, and the United States. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2016; 44:602-613. [PMID: 28661249 DOI: 10.1177/1073110516684803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Diverse legal and regulatory measures are used internationally to control the information provided during pharmaceutical sales visits. Little is known about the comparative effectiveness of these measures however. We analyzed the perceptions of regulators, pharmaceutical industry officials, health professionals, and consumer respondents concerning these approaches in Canada, France, and the United States using an empirical realist interests-based approach. Interviews focused on the aims and effectiveness of regulation, barriers and enablers to regulation and suggestions for improvement. An alignment was found in North America regulator and industry respondents' satisfaction with the status quo and their view that further intervention is unfeasible and unnecessary. Health professionals generally expressed a lack of confidence in the impact of regulations on sales visit information while consumer advocates voiced their disappointment in both regulators and health professionals for their failure to counteract the influence of pharmaceutical marketing. Regulator and industry respondents in France differed from their North American counterparts in their willingness to increase and diversify the scope of regulatory interventions. As the first international comparison of regulatory experiences in this sector, the findings highlight the universal need for more focused and inclusive discussions among groups about how to tailor regulations to achieve public health goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roojin Habibi
- Roojin Habibi, M.Sc., is a second-year law student in the French Common Law (J.D.) program at University of Ottawa. She received a bachelor's degree in environmental and health studies from York University, an M.Sc. in Global Health from McMaster University and completed a research fellowship with Pharmaceutical Policy Research Collaboration. Line Guénette, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at Laval University, Quebec city, Quebec, Canada and a researcher with the Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit at the CHU de Québec Research Center. She received a bachelor degree in pharmacy (BPharm), an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in pharmacoepidemiology also from Laval University. Her research interests revolve around drug utilization, determinants of rational drug utilization and interventions and policies to improve rational use by patients and healthcare professionals. Joel Lexchin, M.Sc., M.D., has been teaching health policy at York University for the past 14 years and working as an emergency physician at the University Health Network since 1988. He holds B.Sc., M.Sc., and M.D. degrees from the University of Toronto. He has authored or co-authored over 150 peer reviewed papers and on all aspects of pharmaceutical policy both in Canada and internationally. Ellen Reynolds, M.P.A., is Research Coordinator at the School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia. She received her Master's in Public Administration from the University of Victoria in 2015. The focus of her research was on physicians' experiences and attitudes towards interactions with pharmaceutical sales representatives. She has worked as a research coordinator with the University of British Columbia since 2008, and has worked extensively with women's health organizations, including the Canadian Women's Health Network and DES (diethylstilbestrol) Action Canada. Mary Wiktorowicz, Ph.D., is a Professor of Health Policy and Management, the Associate Dean Community and Global in the Faculty of Health, and the Interim Director, Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health, York University. She received her Ph.D. in Health Policy from the University of Toronto, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation. Her research involves developing frameworks to compare national and transnational governance models that guide the development of health policy to enhance our understanding of them. Her research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and published in leading journals. Barbara Mintzes, Ph.D., is Senior Lecturer at the Charles Perkins Centre and the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney and an Affiliate Associate Professor at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She holds a Ph.D. in epidemiology from UBC. Her main area of research is in pharmaceutical policy, including the influence of drug promotion on prescribing and medicine use. She also carries out systematic reviews on the effectiveness and safety of drug treatments
| | - Line Guénette
- Roojin Habibi, M.Sc., is a second-year law student in the French Common Law (J.D.) program at University of Ottawa. She received a bachelor's degree in environmental and health studies from York University, an M.Sc. in Global Health from McMaster University and completed a research fellowship with Pharmaceutical Policy Research Collaboration. Line Guénette, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at Laval University, Quebec city, Quebec, Canada and a researcher with the Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit at the CHU de Québec Research Center. She received a bachelor degree in pharmacy (BPharm), an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in pharmacoepidemiology also from Laval University. Her research interests revolve around drug utilization, determinants of rational drug utilization and interventions and policies to improve rational use by patients and healthcare professionals. Joel Lexchin, M.Sc., M.D., has been teaching health policy at York University for the past 14 years and working as an emergency physician at the University Health Network since 1988. He holds B.Sc., M.Sc., and M.D. degrees from the University of Toronto. He has authored or co-authored over 150 peer reviewed papers and on all aspects of pharmaceutical policy both in Canada and internationally. Ellen Reynolds, M.P.A., is Research Coordinator at the School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia. She received her Master's in Public Administration from the University of Victoria in 2015. The focus of her research was on physicians' experiences and attitudes towards interactions with pharmaceutical sales representatives. She has worked as a research coordinator with the University of British Columbia since 2008, and has worked extensively with women's health organizations, including the Canadian Women's Health Network and DES (diethylstilbestrol) Action Canada. Mary Wiktorowicz, Ph.D., is a Professor of Health Policy and Management, the Associate Dean Community and Global in the Faculty of Health, and the Interim Director, Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health, York University. She received her Ph.D. in Health Policy from the University of Toronto, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation. Her research involves developing frameworks to compare national and transnational governance models that guide the development of health policy to enhance our understanding of them. Her research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and published in leading journals. Barbara Mintzes, Ph.D., is Senior Lecturer at the Charles Perkins Centre and the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney and an Affiliate Associate Professor at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She holds a Ph.D. in epidemiology from UBC. Her main area of research is in pharmaceutical policy, including the influence of drug promotion on prescribing and medicine use. She also carries out systematic reviews on the effectiveness and safety of drug treatments
| | - Joel Lexchin
- Roojin Habibi, M.Sc., is a second-year law student in the French Common Law (J.D.) program at University of Ottawa. She received a bachelor's degree in environmental and health studies from York University, an M.Sc. in Global Health from McMaster University and completed a research fellowship with Pharmaceutical Policy Research Collaboration. Line Guénette, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at Laval University, Quebec city, Quebec, Canada and a researcher with the Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit at the CHU de Québec Research Center. She received a bachelor degree in pharmacy (BPharm), an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in pharmacoepidemiology also from Laval University. Her research interests revolve around drug utilization, determinants of rational drug utilization and interventions and policies to improve rational use by patients and healthcare professionals. Joel Lexchin, M.Sc., M.D., has been teaching health policy at York University for the past 14 years and working as an emergency physician at the University Health Network since 1988. He holds B.Sc., M.Sc., and M.D. degrees from the University of Toronto. He has authored or co-authored over 150 peer reviewed papers and on all aspects of pharmaceutical policy both in Canada and internationally. Ellen Reynolds, M.P.A., is Research Coordinator at the School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia. She received her Master's in Public Administration from the University of Victoria in 2015. The focus of her research was on physicians' experiences and attitudes towards interactions with pharmaceutical sales representatives. She has worked as a research coordinator with the University of British Columbia since 2008, and has worked extensively with women's health organizations, including the Canadian Women's Health Network and DES (diethylstilbestrol) Action Canada. Mary Wiktorowicz, Ph.D., is a Professor of Health Policy and Management, the Associate Dean Community and Global in the Faculty of Health, and the Interim Director, Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health, York University. She received her Ph.D. in Health Policy from the University of Toronto, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation. Her research involves developing frameworks to compare national and transnational governance models that guide the development of health policy to enhance our understanding of them. Her research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and published in leading journals. Barbara Mintzes, Ph.D., is Senior Lecturer at the Charles Perkins Centre and the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney and an Affiliate Associate Professor at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She holds a Ph.D. in epidemiology from UBC. Her main area of research is in pharmaceutical policy, including the influence of drug promotion on prescribing and medicine use. She also carries out systematic reviews on the effectiveness and safety of drug treatments
| | - Ellen Reynolds
- Roojin Habibi, M.Sc., is a second-year law student in the French Common Law (J.D.) program at University of Ottawa. She received a bachelor's degree in environmental and health studies from York University, an M.Sc. in Global Health from McMaster University and completed a research fellowship with Pharmaceutical Policy Research Collaboration. Line Guénette, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at Laval University, Quebec city, Quebec, Canada and a researcher with the Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit at the CHU de Québec Research Center. She received a bachelor degree in pharmacy (BPharm), an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in pharmacoepidemiology also from Laval University. Her research interests revolve around drug utilization, determinants of rational drug utilization and interventions and policies to improve rational use by patients and healthcare professionals. Joel Lexchin, M.Sc., M.D., has been teaching health policy at York University for the past 14 years and working as an emergency physician at the University Health Network since 1988. He holds B.Sc., M.Sc., and M.D. degrees from the University of Toronto. He has authored or co-authored over 150 peer reviewed papers and on all aspects of pharmaceutical policy both in Canada and internationally. Ellen Reynolds, M.P.A., is Research Coordinator at the School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia. She received her Master's in Public Administration from the University of Victoria in 2015. The focus of her research was on physicians' experiences and attitudes towards interactions with pharmaceutical sales representatives. She has worked as a research coordinator with the University of British Columbia since 2008, and has worked extensively with women's health organizations, including the Canadian Women's Health Network and DES (diethylstilbestrol) Action Canada. Mary Wiktorowicz, Ph.D., is a Professor of Health Policy and Management, the Associate Dean Community and Global in the Faculty of Health, and the Interim Director, Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health, York University. She received her Ph.D. in Health Policy from the University of Toronto, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation. Her research involves developing frameworks to compare national and transnational governance models that guide the development of health policy to enhance our understanding of them. Her research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and published in leading journals. Barbara Mintzes, Ph.D., is Senior Lecturer at the Charles Perkins Centre and the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney and an Affiliate Associate Professor at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She holds a Ph.D. in epidemiology from UBC. Her main area of research is in pharmaceutical policy, including the influence of drug promotion on prescribing and medicine use. She also carries out systematic reviews on the effectiveness and safety of drug treatments
| | - Mary Wiktorowicz
- Roojin Habibi, M.Sc., is a second-year law student in the French Common Law (J.D.) program at University of Ottawa. She received a bachelor's degree in environmental and health studies from York University, an M.Sc. in Global Health from McMaster University and completed a research fellowship with Pharmaceutical Policy Research Collaboration. Line Guénette, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at Laval University, Quebec city, Quebec, Canada and a researcher with the Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit at the CHU de Québec Research Center. She received a bachelor degree in pharmacy (BPharm), an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in pharmacoepidemiology also from Laval University. Her research interests revolve around drug utilization, determinants of rational drug utilization and interventions and policies to improve rational use by patients and healthcare professionals. Joel Lexchin, M.Sc., M.D., has been teaching health policy at York University for the past 14 years and working as an emergency physician at the University Health Network since 1988. He holds B.Sc., M.Sc., and M.D. degrees from the University of Toronto. He has authored or co-authored over 150 peer reviewed papers and on all aspects of pharmaceutical policy both in Canada and internationally. Ellen Reynolds, M.P.A., is Research Coordinator at the School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia. She received her Master's in Public Administration from the University of Victoria in 2015. The focus of her research was on physicians' experiences and attitudes towards interactions with pharmaceutical sales representatives. She has worked as a research coordinator with the University of British Columbia since 2008, and has worked extensively with women's health organizations, including the Canadian Women's Health Network and DES (diethylstilbestrol) Action Canada. Mary Wiktorowicz, Ph.D., is a Professor of Health Policy and Management, the Associate Dean Community and Global in the Faculty of Health, and the Interim Director, Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health, York University. She received her Ph.D. in Health Policy from the University of Toronto, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation. Her research involves developing frameworks to compare national and transnational governance models that guide the development of health policy to enhance our understanding of them. Her research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and published in leading journals. Barbara Mintzes, Ph.D., is Senior Lecturer at the Charles Perkins Centre and the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney and an Affiliate Associate Professor at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She holds a Ph.D. in epidemiology from UBC. Her main area of research is in pharmaceutical policy, including the influence of drug promotion on prescribing and medicine use. She also carries out systematic reviews on the effectiveness and safety of drug treatments
| | - Barbara Mintzes
- Roojin Habibi, M.Sc., is a second-year law student in the French Common Law (J.D.) program at University of Ottawa. She received a bachelor's degree in environmental and health studies from York University, an M.Sc. in Global Health from McMaster University and completed a research fellowship with Pharmaceutical Policy Research Collaboration. Line Guénette, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at Laval University, Quebec city, Quebec, Canada and a researcher with the Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit at the CHU de Québec Research Center. She received a bachelor degree in pharmacy (BPharm), an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in pharmacoepidemiology also from Laval University. Her research interests revolve around drug utilization, determinants of rational drug utilization and interventions and policies to improve rational use by patients and healthcare professionals. Joel Lexchin, M.Sc., M.D., has been teaching health policy at York University for the past 14 years and working as an emergency physician at the University Health Network since 1988. He holds B.Sc., M.Sc., and M.D. degrees from the University of Toronto. He has authored or co-authored over 150 peer reviewed papers and on all aspects of pharmaceutical policy both in Canada and internationally. Ellen Reynolds, M.P.A., is Research Coordinator at the School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia. She received her Master's in Public Administration from the University of Victoria in 2015. The focus of her research was on physicians' experiences and attitudes towards interactions with pharmaceutical sales representatives. She has worked as a research coordinator with the University of British Columbia since 2008, and has worked extensively with women's health organizations, including the Canadian Women's Health Network and DES (diethylstilbestrol) Action Canada. Mary Wiktorowicz, Ph.D., is a Professor of Health Policy and Management, the Associate Dean Community and Global in the Faculty of Health, and the Interim Director, Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health, York University. She received her Ph.D. in Health Policy from the University of Toronto, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation. Her research involves developing frameworks to compare national and transnational governance models that guide the development of health policy to enhance our understanding of them. Her research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and published in leading journals. Barbara Mintzes, Ph.D., is Senior Lecturer at the Charles Perkins Centre and the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney and an Affiliate Associate Professor at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She holds a Ph.D. in epidemiology from UBC. Her main area of research is in pharmaceutical policy, including the influence of drug promotion on prescribing and medicine use. She also carries out systematic reviews on the effectiveness and safety of drug treatments
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Fadlallah R, Nas H, Naamani D, El-Jardali F, Hammoura I, Al-Khaled L, Brax H, Kahale L, Akl EA. Knowledge, Beliefs and Attitudes of Patients and the General Public towards the Interactions of Physicians with the Pharmaceutical and the Device Industry: A Systematic Review. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160540. [PMID: 27556929 PMCID: PMC4996522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the evidence on the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of patients and the general public towards the interactions of physicians with the pharmaceutical and the device industry. METHODS We included quantitative and qualitative studies addressing any type of interactions between physicians and the industry. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE in August 2015. Two reviewers independently completed data selection, data extraction and assessment of methodological features. We summarized the findings narratively stratified by type of interaction, outcome and country. RESULTS Of the 11,902 identified citations, 20 studies met the eligibility criteria. Many studies failed to meet safeguards for protecting from bias. In studies focusing on physicians and the pharmaceutical industry, the percentages of participants reporting awareness was higher for office-use gifts relative to personal gifts. Also, participants were more accepting of educational and office-use gifts compared to personal gifts. The findings were heterogeneous for the perceived effects of physician-industry interactions on prescribing behavior, quality and cost of care. Generally, participants supported physicians' disclosure of interactions through easy-to-read printed documents and verbally. In studies focusing on surgeons and device manufacturers, the majority of patients felt their care would improve or not be affected if surgeons interacted with the device industry. Also, they felt surgeons would make the best choices for their health, regardless of financial relationship with the industry. Participants generally supported regulation of surgeon-industry interactions, preferably through professional rather than governmental bodies. CONCLUSION The awareness of participants was low for physicians' receipt of personal gifts. Participants also reported greater acceptability and fewer perceived influence for office-use gifts compared to personal gifts. Overall, there appears to be lower awareness, less concern and more acceptance of surgeon-device industry interactions relative to physician-pharmaceutical industry interactions. We discuss the implications of the findings at the patient, provider, organizational, and systems level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racha Fadlallah
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Systematic Reviews of Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala Nas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Damascus, Damascus, Syria
| | - Dana Naamani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Art and Science, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fadi El-Jardali
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Systematic Reviews of Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ihsan Hammoura
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Art and Science, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lina Al-Khaled
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hneine Brax
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lara Kahale
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elie A. Akl
- Center for Systematic Reviews of Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Unhealthy marketing of pharmaceutical products: An international public health concern. J Public Health Policy 2016; 37:149-59. [PMID: 26911654 DOI: 10.1057/jphp.2016.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
I consider the current state of pharmaceutical marketing vis-à-vis ethical and legal standards and advocate measures to improve it. There is abundant evidence of unethical or illicit marketing. It fuels growing concerns about undue corporate influence over pharmaceutical research, education, and consumption. The most extensive evidence of industry transgressions comes from the United States (US), where whistle-blowers are encouraged by financial rewards to help uncover illicit marketing and fraud. Outside the US increasing evidence of transgressions exists. Recently I have observed a range of new measures to align pharmaceutical marketing practices with ethical and legal standards. In the interest of public health, I highlight the need for additional and more profound reforms to ensure that information about medicines supports quality and resource-efficient care.
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Vilhelmsson A, Davis C, Mulinari S. Pharmaceutical Industry Off-label Promotion and Self-regulation: A Document Analysis of Off-label Promotion Rulings by the United Kingdom Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority 2003-2012. PLoS Med 2016; 13:e1001945. [PMID: 26812151 PMCID: PMC4727894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND European Union law prohibits companies from marketing drugs off-label. In the United Kingdom--as in some other European countries, but unlike the United States--industry self-regulatory bodies are tasked with supervising compliance with marketing rules. The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize off-label promotion rulings in the UK compared to the whistleblower-initiated cases in the US and (2) shed light on the UK self-regulatory mechanism for detecting, deterring, and sanctioning off-label promotion. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted structured reviews of rulings by the UK self-regulatory authority, the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA), between 2003 and 2012. There were 74 off-label promotion rulings involving 43 companies and 65 drugs. Nineteen companies were ruled in breach more than once, and ten companies were ruled in breach three or more times over the 10-y period. Drawing on a typology previously developed to analyse US whistleblower complaints, we coded and analysed the apparent strategic goals of each off-label marketing scheme and the practices consistent with those alleged goals. 50% of rulings cited efforts to expand drug use to unapproved indications, and 39% and 38% cited efforts to expand beyond approved disease entities and dosing strategies, respectively. The most frequently described promotional tactic was attempts to influence prescribers (n = 72, 97%), using print material (70/72, 97%), for example, advertisements (21/70, 30%). Although rulings cited prescribers as the prime target of off-label promotion, competing companies lodged the majority of complaints (prescriber: n = 16, 22%, versus companies: n = 42, 57%). Unlike US whistleblower complaints, few UK rulings described practices targeting consumers (n = 3, 4%), payers (n = 2, 3%), or company staff (n = 2, 3%). Eight UK rulings (11%) pertaining to six drugs described promotion of the same drug for the same off-label use as was alleged by whistleblowers in the US. However, while the UK cases typically related to only one or a few claims made in printed material, several complaints in the US alleged multifaceted and covert marketing activities. Because this study is limited to PMCPA rulings and whistleblower-initiated federal cases, it may offer a partial view of exposed off-label marketing. CONCLUSION The UK self-regulatory system for exposing marketing violations relies largely on complaints from company outsiders, which may explain why most off-label promotion rulings relate to plainly visible promotional activities such as advertising. This contrasts with the US, where Department of Justice investigations and whistleblower testimony have alleged complex off-label marketing campaigns that remain concealed to company outsiders. UK authorities should consider introducing increased incentives and protections for whistleblowers combined with US-style governmental investigations and meaningful sanctions. UK prescribers should be attentive to, and increasingly report, off-label promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Vilhelmsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Social Medicine and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Malmö University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Gender Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Courtney Davis
- Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shai Mulinari
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Mintzes B, Lexchin J, Quintano AS. Clinical trial transparency: many gains but access to evidence for new medicines remains imperfect. Br Med Bull 2015; 116:43-53. [PMID: 26493102 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldv042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although selective and incomplete publication is widely acknowledged to be a problem, full access to clinical trial data remains illusive. SOURCES OF DATA Authors' personal files, key documents from Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency and focussed searches of PubMed. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Existing sources of information provide an incomplete overview of scientific research. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Persistent arguments about commercial confidentiality and the potential difficulties in de-identifying raw data can block important progress. Current industry efforts are voluntary and only partially satisfy the need for complete data. GROWING POINTS Requirements for trial registration are increasing. Important regulatory changes in particular in Europe have the potential to result in the release of more information. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Documenting the effects of prospective trial registration and requirements for proactive clinical trial publication on healthcare decisions, public health and rational resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mintzes
- Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joel Lexchin
- School of Health Policy and Management, York University, York, UK University Health Network, Toronto, Canada Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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