Patient advocacy groups should disclose pharma sponsors, say experts

By Kate Aubusson
Updated February 4 2017 - 11:13am, first published January 18 2017 - 8:14am
Professor Lisa Bero warns that patient advocacy groups may be influenced by big pharma money. Photo: University of Sydney
Professor Lisa Bero warns that patient advocacy groups may be influenced by big pharma money. Photo: University of Sydney
Dr Ray Moynihan is pushing for greater transparency over the partnerships between patient advocacy groups and their commercial backers.  Photo: Supplied
Dr Ray Moynihan is pushing for greater transparency over the partnerships between patient advocacy groups and their commercial backers. Photo: Supplied

Patient advocacy groups should be forced to declare their commercial funding, with a growing body of evidence raising serious concerns over conflicts of interests, Australian experts say.