Understanding Pharmaceutical Research Manipulation in the Context of Accounting Manipulation

This article analyzes pharmaceutical company manipulation of medical research as part of a broader problem of corporate manipulation of data in the creation of accounting profits. The article explores how our understanding of accounting fraud and misinformation helps us understand the risk of similar information manipulation in the medical sciences. This understanding provides a framework for considering how best to improve the quality of medical research and analysis in light of the current system of medical information production. I offer three possible responses: (1) use of the Dodd‐Frank whistleblower provisions to encourage reporting of medical research fraud; (2) a two‐step academic journal review process for clinical trials; and (3) publicly subsidized trial‐failure insurance. These would improve the release of negative information about drugs, thereby increasing the reliability of positive information.

Source: The Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics - October 1, 2013 Category: Medical Law Authors: Abigail Brown Source Type: research