Healthy Skepticism Library item: 17042

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: Journal Article

Hopkins Tanne J
Harvard tightens rules on industry payments to top professors
BMJ 2010 Jan 12;
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/340/jan12_2/c172

Abstract:

Harvard University has tightened its regulations for doctors and scientists who consult for drug companies and medical device makers.

Ties between prominent doctors and drug companies have been scrutinised lately, especially by Senator Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican.

About two dozen of Harvard’s highest flyers, those who sit on the boards of drug companies, are most affected. Under the rules, introduced on 1 January, they can earn no more than $5000 (£3100; 3440) per 10 hour day for service on the board of a drug or device company and may not accept company stock in payment.

The rules also apply to about 6000 doctors, researchers, institutional officers, and other employees at Partners HealthCare, a Harvard affiliated healthcare group.

Among those affected are Dennis Ausiello, chief of medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and chief scientific officer at Partners HealthCare. He is a member of Pfizer’s board of directors. The New York . . .