USA's PhRMA responds to AAMC report

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has responded to the report of the Association of American Medical Colleges' task force on industry funding of medical education (Marketletter May 5). The PhRMA's senior vice president, Ken Johnson, said: "we are pleased that the task force recognizes the importance of pharmaceutical research company and academic medical center relationships to bringing medical advances to patients."

He added that "America's pharmaceutical research companies are committed to advancing the science of medicine and helping patients in need. Pharmaceutical researchers work tirelessly to better understand the biology of disease and translate this knowledge into the development of new life-saving and life-enhancing medicines - medicines that provide hope to millions of patients around the world. Academic medical centers are vital partners in this enterprise."

However, the PhRMA stressed that existing legislation and the industry's Code of Practice are already in place to curb the conflict of interest cited by the task force. Mr Johnson said: "In the end, interactions between pharmaceutical sales representatives and health care professionals, including those who work and train in academic medical centers, enhance public health and improve patient care. Pharmaceutical research companies take this responsibility seriously and remain committed to ensuring that these interactions follow the highest ethical standards."