Ethical Dilemmas in Sponsored Research

Ethical Dilemmas in Sponsored Research

By

To

Moderators

Dated

January 28, 2011

Introduction

This paper highlights the ethical dilemmas inherent in sponsored research in the context of Dr. Nancy Olivieri’s case with her sponsor Apotex Limited and the repercussions to Olivieri, her employers and society at large.

Olivieri is a Toronto-based haematologist and researcher in the field of genetic blood disorders. She came into prominence in 1996 when she revealed safety issues with the drug deferiprone and brought to light these ethical dilemmas:

1) Is the public interest more important than the confidentiality agreement signed between herself and Apotex?

2) Did she owe the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto her loyalty, knowing that bad relations could threaten Apotex’s multi-million dollar donation to a new biomedical research centre?

Repercussions

Olivieri revealed her findings for professional and moral reasons: as a researcher she was obligated to inform the trial participants of the risks (thereby soliciting their continued consent to participate in the trial) and as an academic to publish her findings to assist other health professionals.

Olivieri continues to fight legal proceedings on the grounds of defamation. Over a five year period, Olivieri was:

* denied due process and support by the Hospital and University,

* accused of misconduct by colleagues,

* referred to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and the University for investigation,

* labelled as a “demanding and challenging subordinate”, and

* supported by the Canadian Medical Protective Association for her legal costs.

Olivieri was later vindicated by the College and by the Canadian Association of University Teachers. In 2009, she received the AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility.

The ethical dilemmas between Olivieri and Apotex highlighted to universities, teaching hospitals and researchers of the:...