Parker Waichman LLP

Ghostwriting Common Throughout Drug Industry

We have long been reporting about the mounting evidence that points to drug companies routinely hiding their influence over research on their products by paying respected academics for their names to be included as authors of such studies and research.  Now, due to a lawsuit over the injuries caused by Merck’s painkiller Vioxx, Merck has […]

We have long been reporting about the mounting evidence that points to drug companies routinely hiding their influence over research on their products by paying respected academics for their names to be included as authors of such studies and research.  Now, due to a lawsuit over the injuries caused by Merck’s painkiller Vioxx, Merck has been forced to unseal documents over its initial research on <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/vioxx">Vioxx that prove Merck conducted studies on Vioxx, paid researchers to allow their names to be put down as authors of those studies, and did not disclose these practices to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) or to medical journals that published the studies.

According to Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) editor Catherine D. DeAngelis, drug companies have often come to her, requesting that she allow her name to be listed as study author for research for which she has not been involved.  In some cases she was directly told that minimal work would be required and a professional writing firm would produce the first draft.  In an editorial in JAMA, DeAngelis and deputy editor Phil. B. Fontanarosa criticize such ghostwriting as a sign that the health profession has been “inundated with profound influence from the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.”

DeAngelis is not alone. High blood pressure expert Jean Sealey said that a consulting firm asked her to be the author on a study to be presented at a conference of the American Society for Hypertension. The conference, Sealey noted, was only a week away and she had never heard to the drug that had been tested.  According to Jerome Kassirer, former editor of the New England Journal of Medicine, ghostwriting can be especially dangerous in cases in which researchers are persuaded to put their names on reviews conducted of prior research and there is no indication if the firms that authored the paper excluded certain prior studies from consideration.  “We’ve got to stop this,” DeAngelis said. “People are being hurt. We’ve given away our profession.”

Meanwhile last month, the Associated Press pointed out that many in the medical community are accusing big pharmaceutical of deception, manipulating doctors, and focusing on profits over patients.  Much in the news has been reported to confirm this and medical schools, teaching hospitals, and physician groups are limiting pharmaceutical sales rep influence.  Also, three top editors of the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine publicly sided against industry in a U.S. Supreme Court case in August over whether patients harmed by government-approved medicines may still sue in state courts.

Last month, DeAngelis spoke about two studies stating ghostwriters wrote past reports about Vioxx and some reports minimized risk of death.  “Manipulation of studies and publications by the pharmaceutical and medical device industries is either increasing or there has been more exposure of these practices,” she wrote.  DeAngelis added that industry pressure includes influencing doctors and medical students with gifts and funding research at top teaching hospitals.  But, funding includes tight controls on studies and results, can hide study authors’ conflicts of interest, and can even control doctors’ continuing medical education by running courses on new treatments.

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
This is my first experience working with this firm. My primary contact has been Sabrina Hogan who is helping with my case. Sabrina is an excellent example of what great service should be. Whenever I've had questions, she responds to me quickly. And, although I know she must be extremely busy, she takes time to listen to me. If she's unable to answer my questions during our call, she gets back with me quickly. She's also great at keeping me informed. I also want to express my appreciation for Paul Segal, who assisted me when Sabrina wasn't available. He contacted me right away and was also very helpful! Parker Waichman LLP is fortunate to have Sabrina and Paul on their team!
Nancy Wainwright
5 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am very grateful to the Waichman LLP law firm for all their help throughout the process. In my case, they were very kind, especially my friend Jorge Peniche, who was very attentive to my case. I am more satisfied with the final decision in my case. Thank you very much.
Silverwolf Romano
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
They were thorough, courteous professional, compassionate and efficient every step of the way. I felt very competent and secure knowing they were handling my case.
louie m
a month 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