Tuesday 21 May 2013

No conflicts of interest? Really......


"Could the potential for financial reward in the build up of this network of clinics represent a conflict of interest? Albert told the BMJ that she didn’t believe so because the research had been completed well before the website was launched. She said, “I think I should be praised for doing this. Most researchers sit in an ivory tower—I spend time and energy in how to engage clinical staff in spreading the knowledge, and make sure that antibiotics are not given to the wrong patients.” "

Interestingly the BMJ have followed up on the undeclared conflicts of interests of the authors in the now infamous study on 'antibiotics for back pain'.  The lead author seems fairly unrepentant about the stated 'no conflicts of interest', claiming that it was justifiable as the website had not been launched.

On browsing the companies house website it reveals that there are 2 'MAST Medical' companies and both were incorporated in April 2010:

MAST MEDICAL CONCEPTS LIMITED 65 LONDON WALL
LONDON
UNITED KINGDOM
EC2M 5TU
Company No. 07236910

Name & Registered Office:
MAST MEDICAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES LIMITED
65 LONDON WALL
LONDON
UNITED KINGDOM
EC2M 5TU
Company No. 07236985

It is fascinating that the company directors of both these Mast Medical companies were appointed in May 2010 and include Hanne Albert, Peter Hamlyn, Claus Manniche and Alan Jordan. 


So the simple fact is that two of the authors, Hanne Albert and Claus Manniche, were both named directors of MAST Medical companies before the paper was submitted and published.  It appears clear that they did not report this as a conflicting interest.  Of note the European Spine Journal's conflict of interest disclosure form states

Conflict (if none, “None” or describe financial interest/arrangement with one or more organizations that could be perceived as a real or apparent conflict of interest in the context of the subject of this article)

It is extremely hard indeed to justify the authors' stance in not declaring their conflicts of interests, in terms of being directors of a company that stands to directly profit as a result of their published study.  I will certainly be keeping an eye on this story to see how it pans out.

4 comments:

James said...

Seems legit! We will be looking forward to it.

Tracey G said...

it is not a conflict of interest, but lte see their motivations.

Posture brace said...

I am a little septic about the all move. It really looks fishy.

Hostnine Coupon said...

I will agree with all of you but give them a benefit of doubt and see what will come up.