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NEWS: Zosia Kmietowicz NICE is told to break its close links with drug industry BMJ 2003; 327: 637 [Full text]

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Pharmaceutical Physicians on NICE committees

Graham B Marshall   (19 September 2003)

Conflict of interest First

Takeo SAIO   (24 September 2003)

Pharmaceutical Physicians on NICE committees 19 September 2003
Graham B Marshall, Medical Director, Boots Nottingham NG90 1BS Send response to journal: Re: Pharmaceutical Physicians on NICE committees	The role of Pharmaceutical Physicians on NICE committees is surely to offer expert professional input, rather than represent a pharmaceutical company. If we are to remove all Pharmaceutical Physicians from NICE committees, do we have to start with Prof Rawlins, a fellow of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine? Competing interests:   Pharmaceutical physician and Medical Director of Boots the Chemists
Conflict of interest First 24 September 2003
Takeo SAIO, Fuji Toranomon health promotion center 1067-1, Kawashimata, Gotemba, 412-0045, Japan Send response to journal: Re: Conflict of interest First	As for guideline evaluation, I think most evaluation guidelines for CPGs (clinical practice guidelines) lack viewpoint from sociology of scientists. Even AGREE instrument (www.agreecollaboration.org), there is a check point of editorial independence but of relatively small importance in the tool. I am confident that to minimize biases in developing CPGs declaration of conflict of interest( or "confession of conflict of interest") must be put first of all. Takeo SAIO,M.D. Fuji Toranomon Health Promotion Center. saio@ppp.bekkoame.ne.jp Competing interests:   None declared