DeLauro: Are Conflicts of Interest Influencing Sales of Prescription Drugs, Medical Devices?

DeLauro: Are Conflicts of Interest Influencing Sales of Prescription Drugs, Medical Devices?

- Questions arise over JAMA study on depressants, free trips for hospital executives -

- Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today questioned rising incidents of apparent conflicts of interest in the sale of prescription drugs and medical devices. DeLauro pointed to two recent media reports: one that revealed a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on the use of depressants in pregnant women was authored by professionals with financial ties to drug companies. The second, a media report exposing trips for hospital executives paid for by an organization supported by the prescription drug and medical device industries.

"Americans trust that the prescription drugs and the medical devices they are using are the safest, most cost-effective and innovative products available," said DeLauro. "Yet increasingly, we are learning the drug and device industries are influencing health care professionals, creating conflicts of interest that may increase health care costs and deny the availability of the products Americans deserve. Decisions impacting the health care marketplace must be based on objective information devoid of conflicts of interest. Based on these recent media reports, it would appear that the current system is for sale to the highest bidders."

DeLauro has supported efforts to prevent conflicts of interests at the FDA in her capacity as ranking member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee.

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2006/July/rx_sales_7_17_06.html