Pharma's love/hate relationship with Dr. Nissen

The New York Times offers some great insight into the love/hate relationship that exists between the pharma industry and Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Steven Nissen [1] (see below). As chairman of cardiovascular medicine, Nissen's opinions carry a lot of weight. If he says a drug raises safety risks, he can shave a billion dollars off of sales--as he did with Avandia [2]. On the other hand, when he researches a drug and approves of it, he has the kind of credibility that can make markets as well. The article makes the point that Nissen is part of a cadre of scientists who have taken up the cause of drug safety. In fact, though, few of the activist scientists who would like to claim membership in that club have the same kind of impact. If anything, the world needs more Nissens--and they are especially needed inside the FDA [3]. A lineup of independent, respected scientists who aren't afraid to call them as they see them is just what that agency needs to restore its own lost credibility. Critics say Nissen is angling for the FDA's top job. Could supporters hope for anything less? - John Carroll [4]