The American Medical Association (AMA) voted unanimously to
adopt a resolution calling for new guidelines for sharing information
about drug trial results.
The goal of the resolution is to put an end to contract confidentiality
restrictions that often keep researchers who have worked on a
drug trial from discussing the results with other researchers and doctors.
The AMA hopes to enter into talks with the drug industry’s trade
organization, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of
America, and other groups, to develop those guidelines.
Patient care is endangered when physician researchers are prevented from presenting information from industry-funded studies, the AMA said.