MSD ‘to boost transparency’

Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD) has said it is to take a number of key steps as part of its plans to boost transparency.

It said its ongoing transparency initiative launched over a year ago includes a number of constituent parts, some of which have already been implemented and others which will be introduced in the near future.

From next month, MSD will publish the details of all the grants it gives to medical professional societies, patient organisations and other bodies on its website and will later expand this disclosure to cover the funding of medical, scientific and patient organisations made by its foundation and office of corporate contributions.

It said it backs the pending legislation to publish the details of financial relationships with physicians and will also continue to present details of its clinical trials of marketed products, regardless of outcomes.

“This initiative is intended to respond to stakeholder concerns and public interest in various aspects of our business,” MSD said.

It added this includes work to boost transparency in all aspects of its operations, from its research and development efforts to its sales and marketing practices.

Last month, MSD announced the winner of its annual Women in Chemistry Scholarship programme from the Merck Index.