Good publication practice for pharmaceutical companies: why we need another set of guidelines

Abstract

Peer-reviewed publication is an integral part of biomedical research; yet, although the conduct of trials sponsored by pharmaceutical companies is closely regulated by Good Clinical Practice (GCP), their reporting had, until now, no such framework. Journal editors have highlighted the problems that can arise if the relationship between sponsor companies and academic investigators is abused. In particular, they have drawn attention to the issues of non-publication of findings that do not support the sponsor’s marketing aims, and the need for investigators to have full access to the data [1] They have also raised concerns about the role played by