Healthy Skepticism Library item: 16509

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: news

Arnold M
GSK swears off commercial CME providers
Medical Marketing & Media 2009 Sep 21
http://www.mmm-online.com/GSK-swears-off-commercial-CME-providers/article/149377/

Full text:

GlaxoSmithKline is cutting off commercial CME providers, following Pfizer’s lead.

GSK said starting next year, it will fund only “independent” CME programs designed to close gaps in patient care, and that effective immediately, it will no longer fund CME executed by commercial providers, including medical education and communication companies.

“GSK will not support as many medical education programs, but we will continue funding those with the greatest potential to improve patient health,” said GSK president, North America Deirdre Connelly in a statement.

The company will invite grant applications from a pool of around potential grant applicants limited to academic medical centers and affiliated teaching and patient care institutions as well as national medical societies and professional groups.

Pfizer announced a similar policy in 2008.

Publishing and education companies received $463 million in commercial support in 2008 – about 44% of the $1 billion doled out that year, according to data from the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.