[Ip-health] Pharmalot: Response from Eli Lilly to Pharma Disclose Campaign

[Sarah Rimmington]

Go to thepharmalot post if you want to access Lilly's response...

http://www.pharmalot.com/2007/08/lilly-vows-to-disclose-global-contribution=
s/


Lilly vows to disclose global contributions
August 10, 2007
By Ed Silverman

Last month, a few dozen advocacy groups wrote the ceo of each drugmaker, al=
ong with Phrma and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufactu=
rers Associations, urging them to disclose their global contributions. The =
reason? Concern that donations result in off-label marketing by groups rece=
iving funds; mask the agendas of public policy groups that debate policy is=
sues, and allow researchers to circumvent normal disclosure requirements.

In doing so, they cited Lilly=92s recent decision to make disclosures, at l=
east in the US. Now, the groups report that Lilly has agreed to expand its =
disclosure policy on a global basis. A letter from Lilly ceo Sid Taurel sta=
tes that: =93Our intention remains to disclose this information globally, a=
nd we believe we will be in a position to accomplish this beginning sometim=
e in 2008.=94 (This is the letter, although the signature was cut off).

Here=92s a response from Robert Weissman, director of Essential Action, whi=
ch is coordinating the effort: =93Disclosure of donations is a small, but i=
mportant step to remedying the improper influence exerted by Big Pharma thr=
ough its support for patient groups, continuing medical education and advoc=
acy organizations and think tanks. Eli Lilly is showing the rest of the ind=
ustry that disclosure is feasible. It=92s time for the rest to follow. PhRM=
A and the IFPMA should work to immediately make disclosure of such contribu=
tions the industry norm.=94

--
Sarah Rimmington
Attorney
Essential Action
Washington, DC
Office: (202) 387-8030 x34
Mobile: (202) 422-2687
Fax: (202) 234-5176
www.essentialaction.org