As part of its systematic literature search, Prescrire contacts drug companies to request data and to cross it against information obtained from other sources: clinical trial data, drug packaging materials, administrative and regulatory information.
Prescrire's Information Awards reflect how each company assumes this responsibility to share information. The Award's aim is to encourage companies that have a responsible policy on the provision of information, and to urge companies that fail in this responsibility to do better.
In 2018, Prescrire's editors requested information from 86 companies. Some companies choose to be transparent with Prescrire, and demonstrate this by sending quality information that is relevant to Prescrire's requests. 7 such companies were placed on the "Honours List" for 2018. Two companies who provided useful, detailed data early on, and sometimes without being asked, were singled out with a rating of "Outstanding": EG Labo and Ethypharm.
Other drug companies failed to respond, or responded too little, or too irregularly, to Prescrire's requests for information. Some of them delayed their response, and then failed to provide usable information. Some omitted the most relevant or sensitive data. "Red Cards" are given when too many such failings pile up (16 drug companies were given a Red Card for 2018).
Yet again in 2018, very few drug companies were willing to share the data in their possession with healthcare professionals.
Such a stance gives rise to doubts as to whether there might be information which would discourage the use of their drugs, and which patients and healthcare professionals should be aware of.
> The Prescrire Awards for 2018 (Free)
©Prescrire 1 February 2019
"The Prescrire Awards for 2018" Prescrire Int 2019; 28 (202): 78-82. (Pdf, free)
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