As other drugmakers come under fire for being slow to release info on clinical trials and monetary donations, AstraZeneca plans to widen its disclosure policy at its US website in an effort to create greater transparency into how it conducts its business.

Under the new plans, information related to political and non profit contributions, medical education grants and post-marketing study commitments will be made available for the first time on astrazeneca-us.com

“We believe in providing information to the public about our company, our products and how we do business as part of our commitment to improving patient health and corporate responsibility,” said David Nicoli, VP of corporate affairs. “This important information will help the public better understand significant aspects of our business.”

AstraZeneca's info sharing plan will be rolled out in three waves during 2008. First, the company plans to expand present info on policy positions, clinical trials and compliance program details. 

In the second-quarter of 2008, the drugmaker will begin posting political contribution information on its US site. By fall 2008, more info on medical education grants, third party contributions and post-marketing study commitments will be available.

“We believe that medical education is a very important part of improving patient care,” AstraZeneca spokesman Tony Jewell said. “By providing healthcare professionals with the most current information on diseases and treatment options is the best way for doctors and patients to communicate about our products.”