english.prescrire.org > Positions > Corporate behaviour

Positions > Theme:

Corporate behaviour

Pharmaceutical companies are in the business of making money. Shareholders demand it, and managers’ jobs depend upon it. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly obsessed with the bottom line. Their behaviour all too often shows it. 

Demanding higher standards

There are ever more reasons to demand high-quality information concerning the latest new drugs coming onto the market. To spare patients from exposure to unjustified adverse effects. To force pharmaceutical companies and drug regulatory agencies to shape up. And to cut down on waste at public expense.

Big Pharma's medication compliance programmes

Just say No! For several years, pharmaceutical companies have been investing in new ways to retain their "customers", for example under the guise of programmes designed to help patients follow long-term treatment courses. It is time to put an end to this dangerous trend.

Stock market and society: conflicting values

Since they are both vital components of human health and industrial commodities, drugs are governed by sometimes contradictory principles and values. Patients and practitioners should keep this in mind in order to defend their own priorities.

India: Novartis' failed action

This trial threatens the poorest populations' access to new essential drugs. Legal actions of this type at least show us exactly where drug companies stand: their claims of 'social responsibility' are nothing more than a smokescreen aimed at masking their huge appetite for market share.

NSAIDs: cox-2 inhibitors should be withdrawn

Celecoxib should be taken off the market, given its negative benefit-harm balance.

Distinct and separate roles

At their core, all healthcare activities centre around the needs of individual patients who are seeking help to deal with a health problem. Any confusion between the roles of the different players in the healthcare system undermines not only overall quality of care, but also patients' freedom to base treatment choices on their individual needs.