Scientific Conflicts of Interest

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) release a report (5/12/2010) titled Evaluation of Biomarkers and Surrogate Endpoints in Chronic Disease. The conclusion basically called for giving the FDA greater regulatory authority over dietary supplements. The report was funded by the FDA.

Kind of odd how a report funded by a government agency calls for that agency to have greater authority. I believe that’s called a Conflict of Interest, and is analogous to Texaco funding a study that indicates that the batteries in electric vehicles are hazardous to the environment and recommends we enhance the internal combustion engine.

If we must suspect the science funded by industry that promotes that industry, then we must suspect the science funded by government that promotes more government.