Grant: Catalyst Grant: Ethics

This project examines the structures of the pharmaceutical industry's justifications, when spokespeople discuss ghostwriting and other attempts at manipulation of medical opinion. The industry appears to describe companies' efforts as justified if: (i) they are producing or communicating sound science; (ii) they are acting according to established protocols; (iii) they are engaging in strategically important or unavoidable practices within their business contexts; or (iv) they are promoting health or meeting patient desires. The first goal of the project is to describe these justifications systematically. This research will draw much of its data from conferences and workshops catering to different parts of the pharmaceutical industry, and trade publications. It is not hard to argue that the manipulation of research and publication, as well as the promotion of preferred industry messages via other routes, presents serious ethical problems. Thus a second goal of the project is to provide analysis of the relations between the above justifications and broader ethical considerations. Considerations from normative ethics will likely show deep problems with the pharmaceutical industry's self-justifications.