ACRP Takes Toronto Star to Task

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) has responded to the editors of The Toronto Star in regard to its recent news and editorial coverage of Health Canada and the pharmaceutical industry in Canada. The letter takes issue with the way the news coverage mischaracterizes and sensationalizes Health Canada's relationship with pharmaceutical companies. In addition, ACRP's Deputy Executive Director Terri Hinkley, maintains that its "inaccurate picture for the public that unnecessarily and irresponsibly cultivates distrust, discourages trial participation, and by default casts an underserved shadow on the thousands of dedicated professionals, fellow Canadians, who conduct clinical trials responsibly and ethically."

Soon after the article was published, other Canadian clinical trials experts aired their own opinions of the Star's portrayal.