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Eminent cardiologist involved in treatment guidelines received £50m from drug research contracts

A British cardiologist and former president of the European Society of Cardiology has been found to have committed severe misconduct after receiving over £50m from lucrative drug research contracts. The investigation found that Kim Fox and his wife had served as co-directors of a contract research organisation involved in running clini...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeNews article·DateAug 26, 2026

Revolving doors weaken SEC oversight

New research from the University of Texas at Austin finds that regulators with ties to Big Four accounting firms are less likely to detect financial statement errors and ask for amendments. A cooling-off period might increase confidence in regulatory oversight, but its implementation could be challenging due to staff limitations.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Accounting Review·DateApr 28, 2026

Those with positive experiences or conflicts of interest dominate FDA drug advisory meetings

A study found that 43% of public speakers at FDA advisory committee meetings report a conflict of interest, leading to biased opinions on drug approval. Patients and family members with personal experience using the drug supported approval in most cases, while public health advocates were more likely to oppose it.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2025

Medicare rules may reduce prescription steering

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) steer Medicare patients to their own pharmacies, with PBM-owned pharmacies capturing over 60% market share in certain drug classes. The study suggests that the 'any willing pharmacy' rules may be preventing PBMs from gaining significant market share in Medicare.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJan 10, 2025

Researchers call for legislative reform to improve transparency in drug company payments to healthcare professionals

A new analysis reveals critical gaps in the UK's self-regulated system for disclosing payments from drug companies to healthcare professionals and organisations. The study finds billions of pounds in untraceable research payments and non-research payments lack clarity, with significant breaches by major companies. Researchers are calli...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBMJ Evidence-Based Medicine·DateJan 8, 2025

Can patient groups remain independent with drug company funding?

A new study highlights the risk of patient organizations losing independence due to funding from pharmaceutical companies. Researchers propose establishing a single database to track payments made to patient groups, doctors, and hospitals to improve transparency.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalInternational Journal of Social Determinants of Health and Health Services·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 2, 2025

New study highlights ethical challenges in conducting cannabis research in Canada

A recent study published in Social Science & Medicine reveals the complexities of conducting cannabis research in Canada, where researchers face structural barriers and concerns about scientific integrity. The study suggests key solutions to increase public funding, enhance transparency, and promote independence in research.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateDec 19, 2024

UTA study suggests simple steps may improve team ethics

A UT Arlington study suggests that speaking up is key to ethical decision-making in research groups. The researchers found that fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to voice concerns can help prevent unethical behavior. An 'ethical champion' who steps up to speak out against potential issues was a common finding.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalScience and Engineering Ethics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2024

Regulation needed to curb favoritism between countries and credit rating agencies, new research suggests

Countries rated more highly when their finance ministers know top executives in credit ratings agencies, reveals new research led by Heriot-Watt University. Developing countries benefit seven times more from higher ratings than developed counterparts due to professional connections.

SourceHeriot-Watt University·JournalJournal of International Financial Markets Institutions and Money·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 2, 2024

New regulations needed to limit impact of favouritism on country credit ratings

Research by economists at University of East Anglia and others found links between finance ministers and executives at biggest credit ratings agencies associated with higher ratings for countries without these connections, highlighting a conflict-of-interest problem in the credit ratings agency business model.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of International Financial Markets Institutions and Money·DateJul 2, 2024

Geisinger College faculty, graduate students publish paper shining light on conflicts of interest in guidelines for psychiatric care

A study published by Geisinger College faculty and graduate students found that 55% of DSM-5-TR panel members received payments from industry, highlighting the need for stricter standards. The researchers argue that individuals with financial ties to industry should not have decision-making authority in guideline development.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalBMJ·DateJan 25, 2024

Scientists flag conflicts of interest ahead of UN plastic and chemical talks

A group of 35 scientists calls out conflicts of interest in global plastic treaty negotiations, which have hindered timely action on health and environmental issues. They recommend implementing guidelines to prevent industry influence on the UN's Science Policy Panel on chemicals, citing past examples of pollution protection dilution.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 9, 2023

Ethics & Human Research, March–April 2023 Issue

The article discusses concerns about the integrity of research and the well-being of participants due to financial conflicts of interest. The authors argue that disclosing these conflicts to potential participants may not achieve their intended moral goals, highlighting the need for improved policies.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·TypeSurvey·DateApr 4, 2023

The geometry of conflict

Conflicts between divergent goals can continue indefinitely through evolutionary time, causing devastating damage to complex organisms and social structures. Modular design is a crucial enabler of complex adaptation and transformative changes in social organisation.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2023

WHO Foundation should not accept donations from the alcohol industry

The WHO Foundation's Gift Acceptance Policy does not specifically preclude donations from the alcohol industry, allowing for case-by-case acceptance. However, critics argue that this lack of transparency and safeguards against corporate influence poses a risk to the agency's integrity and public health goals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 16, 2022

Association between COVID-19 exposure, self-reported compliance with public health guidelines among essential employees at an institution of higher education

A study evaluated self-reported protective behaviors and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among in-person employees during the first six months of the pandemic. The research found a significant association between COVID-19 exposure and reduced compliance with public health guidelines.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 21, 2021

Transgender young people accessing health care

A recent review of 91 studies sheds light on the challenges faced by transgender young people accessing healthcare. The study reveals that these individuals often experience inadequate care, lack of understanding from healthcare providers, and limited access to gender-affirming treatments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 19, 2021

Coffee and heart beats

A study by Gregory M. Marcus and colleagues found that daily coffee consumption may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. The researchers analyzed data from a large population, suggesting that moderate coffee drinking may be associated with an increased risk of irregular heartbeats.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 19, 2021

Occurrence of young-onset dementia

A meta-analysis of 74 studies found young-onset dementia affects approximately 4.3% of people under age 65 worldwide. The study's results provide a more precise estimate of dementia's global occurrence in younger populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 19, 2021

Disparities in outpatient visit rates

Researchers found significant racial and ethnic disparities in outpatient visit rates among US physician specialties. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, highlights concerns about unequal access to healthcare services.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 19, 2021

Diversity of US health care workers

The study found that racial and ethnic minority groups have increased their representation among US healthcare workers, from 1999 to 2018. The authors suggest this shift may be due to efforts to increase diversity in the medical workforce.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 15, 2021

Factors associated with deaths in US ICE detention facilities

A study examining US ICE detention facility deaths from 2011 to 2018 found that inadequate healthcare, poor living conditions, and mental health issues were key factors contributing to these deaths. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare and living conditions in ICE facilities to prevent unnecessary deaths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 7, 2021

Surprise bills for childbirth

A new study estimates surprise bills for deliveries and newborn hospitalizations are frequent, affecting thousands of families annually. Researchers found that out-of-network claims from clinicians and ancillary service providers are a leading cause of surprise bills.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 2, 2021

Psoriasis among adults in US

A national survey study found that psoriasis has become more common among adults in the United States over the past two decades. The study estimated a significant increase in psoriasis prevalence from 2.4% in 2003 to 5.0% in 2021.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJun 30, 2021