Source: - Doug Bremner's 'Before You Take That Pill' Blog
One has to admire the work of Sen. Charles Grassley. His thirst for the truth is admirable and he will not stop until the flames are put to rest at GSK.
His latest release to the public is a brochure from a GlaxoSmithKline program called "Psychnet".
"Psychnet" was created by GlaxoSmithKline in 2000 and, it seems, was a promotion tool for Paxil [Seroxat]
Basically, "Psychnet" was developed for the sole purpose of rounding up 'influential' psychiatrists so they could be trained to give other psychiatrists their 'wisdom' regarding the wonders of Paxil [Seroxat]. GSK label the brochure the 'Consultant Resource Manual'.
The intro states that the booklet is provided as a guide to help plan Psychnet programs in various regions. The brochure states "Psychnet is a new resource for all consultants to use for dinner programs, round tables or any speaker engagement".
They proudly boast, "Psychnet physicians have all been educated on the benefits of Paxil and its effective treatment on mood and anxiety disorders."
Personally, I just love the following line - "Psychnet Paxil Clinicians Speaker Council is one of many physician programs the Paxil team has developed for 2000 to engender solid relationships with influential pysicians in each region."
Further on they add, "Psychnet is an ideal way for key opinion leaders to influence clinicians in your region on the benefits of Paxil versus competitors."
Now Sen. Grassley has released this brochure I really hope he asks for the Psychnet presentations and slide kits. Each Psychnet speaker were trained on a total of 5 presentations and provided with 35MM slides and CD ROMS.
The brochure goes on to explain just how much money each physician will get for their presentation and to dangle the carrott more the brochure states:
To ensure that your Psychnet physician gets paid properly and in a timely fashion, you must:
- Write "Psychnet Presentation" in the "NOTES" section of your speaker request form and indicate $2500 for the honorarium.
- Send in your Speaker Request Form as quickly as possible, no later than 30 days prior to the speaking engagement.
- Work with the physician to ensure that he/she submits his/her expense form as quickly as possible after the speaking engagement.
The 'gagging order' comes in the form of, "Psychnet speakers have signed a confidentiality agreement to not disclose or share information about the Psychnet program, including compensation and content of materials."
GlaxoSmithKline... Don't you just love them!
Hat tip to Gianna Kali of Beyond Meds for bringing this to my attention.
Doug Bremner writes about this in more detail here. In the past Doug and I have had differing opinions but I have to applaud him with this gem of an article.
Go to Doug's site to download the brochure in full.
Thanks Doug.
Fid
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