Researchers pride themselves on their scientific objectivity. They like to think that they are immune to bias based on funding source or other influence. A new analysis of studies of anemia drugs called EPOs suggests that drug company support has an impact on basic research findings. Of the industry-sponsored studies, none found significant harmful effects. Over 50 percent of independently funded studies reported harmful effects.
The researchers were specifically looking to see whether EPO-type anemia drugs might stimulate cancer cell progression. Since such drugs are frequently given to cancer patients, this was a critical question early in the development of such medications. Clinical trials eventually confirmed that these drugs are associated with a higher risks of death from cancer. The authors conclude that both basic research as well as clinical trials may suffer from such conflicts of interest.
