[Clinical research and pharmaceutical industry. A relationship with advantages and disadvantages]

Medical specialists and biomedical scientists are increasingly participating in research into the efficacy and safety of new drugs developed by the pharmaceutical industry. Participation may mean a position as an independent member of committees that monitor safety and effectiveness of the research for the patient, or are responsible for publication after termination of the research. This co-operation with the pharmaceutical industry has substantial advantages, such as the occupation of a prominent scientific position in developing and protocolling trials, promotion of employment and doctoral research, and of the quality of the research, particularly if it is followed by inspection by drugs registration colleges. However, the co-operation has adverse effects as well, especially if personal financial interests of the research workers become the main motivation. This applies also to an excessively dominant position of industry-sponsored research, diminishing the chances of medical scientific research which, although necessary, is difficult or almost impossible to finance.