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Published on: February 12, 2015
The Philip Morris External Research Program: results from the first round of projects
N Hirschhorn1, S Aguinaga Bialous, S Shatenstein
1bertzpoet@yahoo.com
Background:
Philip Morris (PM) launched the Philip Morris External Research Program (PMERP) in 2000, two years after the company agreed to the dissolution of two industry-wide, external research programmes: the Council for Tobacco Research (CTR) and the Center for Indoor Air Research (CIAR). Our previous analysis of PMERP's Request for Applications noted that PMERP's structure, while ostensibly concerned with new product development, was remarkably similar to that of CIAR. We also found the majority of designated peer-reviewers had previous ties to the tobacco industry and the research solicitation seemed to invite mitigating evidence concerning cigarettes and constituent risks. We concluded that a prime reason for PMERP's existence was to garner scientific credibility for PM.
Objective:
To examine the grants awarded in the first round of PMERP and subsequent peer-reviewed publications.
Methods:
Searches of industry documents available on the internet using PMERP and its variations as initial keywords; searches on Medline for publications from PMERP grantees.
Results:
Of 153 applications, 61 proposals were funded, 36 of which generated 78 scientific publications. Of these, 65% deal specifically with the tobacco plant or constituents. Over half the researchers listed as PMERP participants had previously received or applied for tobacco funding. One internal document indicated PMERP's objectives included gaining "credibility" and "goodwill", and finding "young scientists". In addition, PM has launched its own and more extensive internal product design research programme.
Conclusion:
PMERP appears to exist less as a conduit for critical scientific inquiry than to fit into a corporate strategy intended to burnish PM's public image.
Insights
Philip Morris External Research Program (PMERP) grants primarily funded research on tobacco constituents, with many researchers having prior industry ties. The program aimed to enhance corporate image rather than foster independent scientific inquiry.
Area of Science:
- Tobacco industry research funding
- Scientific credibility and public image
- Corporate strategy in scientific research
Background:
- Philip Morris (PM) established the Philip Morris External Research Program (PMERP) in 2000, following the dissolution of industry research bodies.
- PMERP's structure mirrored previous industry programs, soliciting research that could mitigate risks associated with cigarettes.
- A significant proportion of peer reviewers had existing ties to the tobacco industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze grants awarded by the Philip Morris External Research Program (PMERP) in its initial phase.
- To investigate the peer-reviewed publications resulting from PMERP-funded research.
Main Methods:
- Searched internet archives for industry documents using PMERP as a keyword.
- Conducted Medline searches for publications authored by PMERP grantees.
Main Results:
- Out of 153 applications, 61 proposals were funded, leading to 78 publications.
- Sixty-five percent of the publications focused on tobacco plant or its constituents.
- Over half of the researchers involved had prior tobacco industry funding, and internal documents revealed goals of "credibility" and "goodwill".
Conclusions:
- The Philip Morris External Research Program (PMERP) appears to serve a corporate public relations strategy rather than promoting independent scientific investigation.
- The program's focus and researcher selection suggest an intent to improve Philip Morris's public image.
