Federal and provincial governments have encouraged universities, hospitals and research institutes to seek commercial funding for their activities. Among the G7 countries, Canada is next to last in terms of the proportion of gross domestic product devoted to research and development. Because of the importance of industry as a funder for clinical investigation, it is essential that we understand the issues in the Apotex Olivieri dispute. Recruiting research funds and donations must always be secondary to patient safety and the integrity of research. The expenditure of substantial sums by pharmaceutical firms can put executives and researchers under considerable pressure.
Researchers stand to benefit financially through consulting contracts with sponsoring companies.
The goal for company-funded research is to maintain or increase profit. If governments continue to abdicate their responsibility to fund health research of international standing, profit will become the major force driving the research agenda, and we must worry whether such company-funded research addresses the issues that are most important in treating disease. Financial concerns aside, research publications are essential for academic promotion, and researchers have a compelling interest in attracting research funding for their projects. As MRC and other government funding wilts, there is increasing pressure on academics to seek industry support and to sign contracts that, in less constrained circumstances, would not be tolerated. As private industry accounts for a growing proportion of research dollars, greater vigilance by universities and a re-examination of existing ethical guidelines will be required.