How have we produced so many quality medications and medical treatments over the years? I mean we are constantly bombarded with stories of how so many researchers are sellouts to the pharmaceutical industry that it makes you wonder how we got anywhere? The truth is that 100% vilification of industry sponsored research is NOT appropriate because they do have a responsibility to create a quality product, bring it to market and follow up on its progress. It they fail at any point on this timeline then they lose billions of dollars. My hunch is that they don't push their researchers to lie and cheat. No, I am not saying they are the most ethical or moral businesses in the world but they can't all be criminals like the media makes them out to be. They still have to run a business. A nice article in the WSJ explains what they call "pharmascolds" who are "pious academics, self-righteous medical journal editors, and opportunistic politicians and journalists" who basically make a career out of demonizing the medical research and pharmaceutical industry to enhance their own careers. I, too, am critical of tainted researchers but this was important for me to read so that I can keep things in perspective. Now if you really want to see someone who is a sellout and absolutely influenced by a third party then read this piece about Governer Ed Rendell in Pennsylvania. Check out the details on how he used a law firm in a no-bid contract to help the state sue Janssen Pharmaceuticals and then see how the law firm contributed to an out of state lawyer (Rendell) for campaign contributions. Now this, to me, is criminal and unethical and yet this story will probably die a quiet death. You have to give it to politicians - they know how to do "improper influence" right.
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