Biotech Values

[Biowatch]

CYBX - journal didn't reveal authors' financial ties

>>Medical Journal to Issue Correction
On Review of Depression Treatment
By DAVID ARMSTRONG
July 18, 2006 11:43 a.m.

BOSTON -- A review of a new depression treatment published in a medical journal failed to disclose that the authors are consultants to the company that sells the treatment.

An official of the medical society that publishes the journal Neuropsychopharmacology says a correction will be issued soon.

The review piece in this month's Neuropsychopharmacology comes to favorable conclusions about the treatment, called vagus nerve stimulation. The treatment involves the implanting of a small device just under the skin. Electrodes attached to the device are wrapped around the vagus nerve in the neck. The Food and Drug Administration approved the treatment for use in depression last year.

Of the nine authors, eight are academic researchers who are consultants for Cyberonics Inc., which makes the vagus nerve device. The ninth author is an employee of the company, which was disclosed. [etc.]<<

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB115322997681109756.html

Link to review article:
http://www.nature.com/npp/journal/v31/n7/full/1301082a.html