The re-prioritization of rapid approvals occurred at the expense of drug safety standards, Continue reading →
Research Integrity
Pharma Spin and Child Suicide Rates
Today's news reports about an increase suicide rate in 2004 offer an opportunity to witness how the media unwittingly disseminates pharmaceutical industry generated propaganda. Continue reading →
Journal Publishers Hire PR “Pit Bull” to Attack Open Access_Nature
The journal, Nature, reports that the American Association of Publishers (AAP) has hired Eric Dezenhall to fight against open access scientific articles. Continue reading →
A Salem Witch Trial by British Psychological Society
An appalling spectacle is taking place in secret in the U.K. whose stench is reminiscent of the Salem witches trials of 1692! Continue reading →
Role of Litigation in Defining Drug Risks_JAMA / BMJ
Documents uncovered during the course of litigation shed light on real risks of drug-induced harm that would not otherwise be known. Continue reading →
Are Lipid lowering (Statins) Guidelines Evidence-Based? Lancet
The authors argue that recommendations for the expanded use of statins to stave off cardiovascular disease are NOT supported by the evidence.
Thinking Can Change the brain
Neuroscientists are venturing into new areas positing that through attentive thinking (meditating) we can reshape the hard drive of our brains.
Critique of FDA’s latest SSRI Data Analysis
PRESS BRIEFING: Critique of FDA Report: “Clinical review relationship between antidepressant drugs and suicidality in adults, 2006” http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/briefing/2006-4272b1-index.htm
Negative Research Results–Mostly Concealed in Journals_SharonBegley, WSJ
"Why are scientists coy about publishing negative data? Continue reading →
Antipsychotics, Newer Isn’t BetterDrug_Washington Post front page
“a study published yesterday overturns conventional wisdom about antipsychotic drugs, which cost the United States $10 billion a year.” Continue reading →
Marketing Suicide by Misapplying Population Trends_No Competing Interests?
Suicide rates fluctuate. Like the stock market their rise and fall is not due to a single decisive cause, but rather to a confluence of complex factors. Continue reading →
A Cure for Public Distrust: Journals Must Exercise Their Authority as Gatekeeper
The Times’ humorous profile of JAMA’s editor attempts to trivialize the threat to public health when journals fail to maintain the integrity of science-based medicine. Continue reading →