Target: Dr. Eric Rubin, Editor-in-Chief of New England Journal of Medicine
Goal: Keep special interests out of scientific research.
Regulatory agencies and consumers often rely on science to guide them in understanding the potential harm certain products can cause. But what happens when the science becomes corrupted by special interests? In the case of tobacco science (used to craft advisories and guidelines about cigarettes and other tobacco-based products), the fox may have stampeded the henhouse.
Global manufacturer Philip Morris International (PMI) is accused of footing the bill for scientific research that helps paint their products, specifically IQOS heated tobacco and electric cigarettes, in a positive light. The World Health Organization (WHO) itself has unequivocally stated that no evidence exists supporting the assertion that these products are any less harmful than traditional tobacco products. Despite this lacking credibility, PMI has reportedly funded several studies that apparently help promote IQOS products as a means to stop smoking. They have also made efforts to bolster their products with politicians and with high-profile events like the Olympics.
The lack of transparency with consumers is the major issue. None of the studies apparently identified PMI and its vested interests as a backer. It reflects a troubling trend in which researchers with clear conflicts of interest regarding the tobacco industry are failing to disclose these conflicts.
Sign the petition below to demand action against these damaging tactics.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Dr. Rubin,
The rise of front groups – agenda-driven third-party research organizations – recently gained attention in an Australian public health journal. The revelation that tobacco conglomerate Philip Morris International has reportedly routinely participated in this practice only reinforces the urgency of the problem. Consumers and patients are the ones ultimately hurt when researchers fail to declare the potential conflicts of interest in their work. Such deception undermines the objectivity on which science is supposed to be based.
A leader of Australia’s Public Health Association gave an important piece of advice, “Academic journals may need to consider penalties for researchers who are found to misreport or underreport conflicts of interest. That may include retractions, or to refuse to publish future work from those found to inadequately declare their conflicts of interest.”
As one of the world’s most respected scientific journals, please take this information under advisement and ensure policies reflect objective and transparent disclosure of critical data and findings.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Aphis Marta
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