The quality of drug studies published in symposium proceedings
Article Abstract:
Drug studies published in symposium proceedings sponsored by pharmaceutical companies are of a similar quality as studies with other sponsors and those published by the parent journal, however the company-sponsored studies tend to have results supporting the usage of drugs. Researchers critically reviewed 127 articles from symposia, after surveying 5,041 articles. They graded the quality with regard to study bias, consistency of conclusions with results, generalizability, and relevance to medical practice. The quality scores were similar for articles with single drug company sponsors, with other sponsors, and with no indicated sponsors. Peer-reviewed articles published in the parent journals were of similar quality. However, the use of the study drug was supported in 98% of 40 studies sponsored by drug companies, but in only 89% of 112 studies not sponsored by a drug company.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1996
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Elixirs, diluents, and the passage of the 1938 Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
Article Abstract:
The evolution of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from a policing agency to a regulatory agency overseeing the evaluation of new drugs followed the poisoning deaths of 105 persons from Elixir Sulfanilamide in 1937 and the ensuing passage in 1938 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Elixir Sulfanilamide, produced by the Massengill Company, was a liquid preparation of the antimicrobial drug sulfanilamide and diethylene glycol. Massengill never tested the product or its individual ingredients for toxicity. Thirty-four children and 71 adults died from kidney failure caused by diethylene glycol. Following the mass poisoning, Congress passed legislation to strengthen the FDA by giving it power to investigate new drugs.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1995
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How consumers and policymakers can use systemic reviews for decision making
Article Abstract:
Systematic reviews of the medical literature can be useful to health care consumers wishing to make health care decisions and policy makers, but there are barriers to their effective use. Their conclusions can be misrepresented by self-interested organizations or politicians. They need to be made readily available to the general public. Those who would use them must know how to evaluate their worth. They must address the questions and concerns of those wishing to use them, and they must be written in such a way as to make them understandable to the target audience.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1997
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