NIH Tackling Tricky Ethics Reform

Digital VisionAs the US Congress and others investigate conflict-of-interest allegations at the National Institutes of Health, ethics lawyers warn that reforms will not be easy, and questions remain about whether overly aggressive changes could hinder the practical application of biomedical research. At issue are NIH scientists' outside consulting relationships with drug and biotechnology companies that work with the agency. In December 2003 the Los Angeles Times reported that federal research l

Written byDana Wilkie

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As the US Congress and others investigate conflict-of-interest allegations at the National Institutes of Health, ethics lawyers warn that reforms will not be easy, and questions remain about whether overly aggressive changes could hinder the practical application of biomedical research. At issue are NIH scientists' outside consulting relationships with drug and biotechnology companies that work with the agency. In December 2003 the Los Angeles Times reported that federal research leaders have acted as paid consultants for companies, while at the same time using their government positions to promote those companies, advise on the risks of company drugs, and make key decisions about NIH studies involving company products.

Some in the science community believe the arrangements were improper, raising questions of whether NIH can work in the public's interest if scientists are financially beholden to those with a stake in NIH decisions. "Government employees who do research in the ...

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