Barrett, Amy (2004) “Why Medicine and Money Don’t Mix: Do drug makers have too much control over lab data?” BUSINESS WEEK, June 28, p.68-70.

According to BUSINESS WEEK, big pharma has too much control over lab data relative to their products, for commercial gain. According to both author and BUSINESS WEEK, they MAY do the following:

1. Spin the data for increased profits.
2. Downplay or delay negative data.
3. Design the study to improve results.
4. Hire consultants to write glowing reviews.
5. Pay medical doctors to sign on as researchers.
6. Create financial ties between researchers and companies.
7. Fund nearly 60% of the research.
8. Select dosages that show the product in a positive light.
9. Contract 118 employees of the watchdog NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH for increased profits.
10. Play data games, ghostwrite, and have conflicts of interest relative to lab research.

Note: BUSINESS WEEK names various drug companies. However, not all companies do the above. Please check closely the article listed in the introduction for precise details. Some companies are indeed exonerated.