Parker Waichman LLP

NEJM Implements Altered Disclosure Policy

Conflict-of-interest allegations have caused the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) to change its policies regarding such disclosures said KaiserNetwork.org, citing a New York Times piece. The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education criticized the Journal for not revealing a financial conflict of interest with one of its study authors, said FierceHealthCare, referring to an […]

Conflict-of-interest allegations have caused the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) to change its policies regarding such disclosures said KaiserNetwork.org, citing a New York Times piece.

The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education criticized the Journal for not revealing a financial conflict of interest with one of its study authors, said FierceHealthCare, referring to an article on CT scan effectiveness in the prevention of lung cancer deaths.  The study authors—doctors Claudia Henschke and David Yankelevitz received a substantial, multi-million dollar grant from a <“https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/light_cigarettes”>cigarette manufacturer, yet grant information was not revealed when the article was published in October 2006, said FierceHealthCare.  The Journal issued a correction and published an editorial last spring, said Boston.com, which explained that Henschke and Yankelevitz received funding and royalty payments for their work on the articles.  Funding was provided by cigarette manufacturer Liggett Tobacco’s parent company and royalties were paid via General Electric (GE) licensing imaging patents.

The 2006 study concluded that broad CT scan use could prevent the vast majority of deaths attributable to lung cancer.  And, although Henschke did advise the Journal that she and Weill Cornell Medical College licensed the patent to GE, the Journal opted to not disclose that information and claimed it did not know the grant was funded, in large part, by a cigarette maker, reported Medical News Today.

Medical News Today referred to a letter published in The Cancer Letter in which the Council said that the Journal and its publisher erred by not revealing, “relevant financial conflicts of interests of the authors.”  In its response, the Journal defended its actions stating, “When we published Dr. Henschke’s article in 2006, it was not routine NEJM editorial policy to publish details about pending patents,” adding, “Since that time our thinking on this issue has evolved.”  The Times reported that the Journal now requests authors to disclose patents and royalties received for research on which they write and includes that information in its study articles.

It is a well-know fact that the financial ties between doctors, medical researchers, and the drug industry run deep and some highly regarded doctors and researchers have faced a great deal of criticism because of their financial arrangements with pharmaceutical companies.  For instance, Dr. Joseph Biederman is the latest doctor whose activities with Big Pharma are under review.  According to the Boston Globe, Biederman, a well-known child psychiatrist who has advocated antipsychotics to treat bipolar disorder in children, is suspending his financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies pending an investigation.

Also, Fierce Healthcare noted that Emory University stripped the chairmanship from prominent psychiatric researcher Charles Nemeroff when an investigation revealed he had not reported significant amounts of industry-sourced income.  And, David Sinclair, a Harvard Medical School professor has stepped down from the scientific advisory board of Shaklee Corporation after it was found he helped promote a product claiming to possess life-extending properties.  Sinclair remains as co-chief adviser to Glaxo’s Sirtris Pharmaceuticals and received over $8 million when Glaxo acquired Sirtris; the company pays him $297,000 annually as a consultant, said the Wall Street Journal.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Great people great experience 5star
Renee Stumpf
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
In June I had a car accident and I was hesitant to find a lawyer but my family urged me to. I searched the web and asked some co workers for any recommendations. One of my workers said the name Waichman found the web site of Parker Waichman and I called them. The woman who answered the phone was informative and compassionate. By that evening a representative from the law firm was at my home and answered all of my questions. With in the next few days I was contacted by several individual from the firm including a Nurse who continues to contact me on a regular basis to see how my recovery is progressing. I am happy my family convinced me to retain an attorney, I have received hundreds of papers from my insurance company and if I had to sort them out I would be lost. I feel confident that I made the right choice with the firm of Paker Waichman.
Diane Tischer
8 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value Thankyou for all the hard work and time you put in for helping me with my case Christina "Tina" Morace I really appreciate all you have done MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY stay safe
thomas smith
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038