… another paid agent of America’s amazing pharmaceutical industry.
Schulz, a very good soldier, is (as Charles Nemeroff used to be) head of psychiatry at his university.
And what a university it is. The University of Minnesota medical school, under the leadership of even better soldier Deborah Powell, is making quite a name for itself in the conflict of interest field. When it comes to marching in step with your paymasters, no one does it better than the University of Minnesota.
A top University of Minnesota psychiatrist’s ties to a drug maker have come under scrutiny because he reported that the company’s blockbuster antipsychotic, Seroquel, was significantly superior to other drugs — despite evidence to the contrary.
Two months after an internal analysis by the company, AstraZeneca, found Seroquel was no better than an older, cheaper antipsychotic, Dr. S. Charles Schulz used much of the same data to publicly report that the company’s drug was “more effective.”
The disconnect between the company’s private findings in March 2000 and the psychiatrist’s optimistic report to the American Psychiatric Association in May 2000 are further evidence to critics that the drug industry can shape, revise or even conceal negative research.
It also feeds concerns that drug companies are paying noted doctors such as Schulz, the U’s chair of psychiatry, for research results that advance their marketing agendas.
Schulz has received $112,000 in consulting fees and university grants from 2002 through 2007 from AstraZeneca, according to state records, and nearly $450,000 from rival drug maker Eli Lilly.
“I hope that our findings help physicians better understand the dramatic benefits of newer medications like SEROQUEL,” Schulz said in an AstraZeneca news release on his 2000 report, “because, if they do, we may be able to help ensure patients receive these medications first.”
Note that Minnesota professors even write like hucksters rather than scientists: DRAMATIC BENEFITS!! STEP RIGHT UP!!
Look sharp, junior professors in the University of Minnesota psychiatry department! This is the way the chair writes.
UD thanks a reader for sending her this latest dispatch.
March 19th, 2009 at 11:45AM
I note that the program in Higher Education Administration at UD’s own George Washington University displays big colorful advertisements at Inside Higher Ed.
It seems to me UD herself is a considerable authority on higher education administration. Is she ever consulted by this program? Used as a guest lecturer? At the very least they should ride along on her coat tails a little.
March 19th, 2009 at 11:49AM
Haven’t heard a peep out of them, RJO.
March 19th, 2009 at 12:50PM
Here’s the ad block.
They should certainly pad out their roster by adding UD as an adjunct professor. Perhaps it would work like a medical school: she could attend a meeting once a term for an extra $10,000, and maybe even advise a doctoral student in university leadership (Plagiarize! Let no one else’s work evagiarize!).
March 19th, 2009 at 6:06PM
The entire staff here at the Institute for Nearly Genuine Research is wildly enthusiastic about the University Diaries blog, but we take issue with UD’s remark, "When it comes to marching in step with your paymasters, no one does it better than the University of Minnesota."
We’re certain the University of Michigan does it better.
University of Michigan Depression Center: Way Beyond Sadness
http://www.bonkersinstitute.org/beyondsadness.html
Best regards,
Methodius Isaac Bonkers, M.D.
Bonkers Institute for Nearly Genuine Research
March 19th, 2009 at 7:16PM
"Minnesota hats off to thee…!"
March 19th, 2009 at 9:50PM
Ahhhhh, the sarcasm is refreshing after the tons of hot air wafting up the road from near where I live. Academia is complicit!!! What a shock!!! Especially, I mean especially psychiatric medicine!!!! I see sales were down in 2008, due to the collapsing economy, but psychotropics are right up there, number two after the statins.
Keep those ads coming, folks. Those academics on the payroll. Those DTC ads, those lobby guys in Congress, and let’s not forget the scripted drug reps. And a purposefully powerless FDA – a continuation of a situation inherited by Obama – who got $$$$$$$$ from pharma for his campaign.
Where is the JUSTICE for those killed? What, justice? Sorry, this game is all about GREED!!!!!
March 27th, 2009 at 12:48PM
"Dead From Zyprexa" ends his/her blog with "Where is the JUSTICE for those killed?"
Sir or Madam, unfortunately in this world there will be no justice. My son Dan Markingson was ‘killed’ in the CAFE Study in which Dr. S. Charles Schulz was co-investigator. Dr. Stephen Olson of the University of Minnesota was principle investigator. I asked, and no one answered – but did write in their file – "Do we have to wait for him to kill himself or someone else before anyone does anything?" The answer, by their silence, was ‘yes’. Yes, money is much more important to them than the welfare of their patients. In fact, I believe money is the only thing important to them.
I have promised my son I will spend the rest of my life working against these doctors, against these pharmaceutical companies, and for the welfare of the mentally ill – so they can be restored to health and return to their rightful place in society. And we can do that! We need Soteria Houses in every state where people can get well without the debilitating effects of the neuroleptic drugs. Read about what Dr. Loren Mosher accomplished.
Let’s all work together for change. One person can make a difference – you.
Mary Weiss
April 28th, 2009 at 10:51PM
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