Drug Cos.: Disclose Charitable Gifts

An international coalition has called on the drug industry to begin public posting of its gifts to non-profit and charitable organizations. It's an effort to expose companies that use these groups as front organizations for promoting their wares and/or supporting their policy initiatives. The letter, organized by Essential Action, noted:

Public health organizations have also repeatedly confronted industry-allied think tanks and advocacy groups that advance industry-favored policies -- for example, in op-ed pieces -- without disclosing their industry ties.

The letter was sent to the heads of 15 major drug companies and the two major pharmaceutical industry associations. Eli Lilly began posting its charitable donations and educational grants earlier year. Another company that posts its grants to non-profits is ExxonMobil, which for years has been a major financial supporter of global warming skeptics.