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To the Editor: The recent favorable meta-analysis of tacrine for treating Alzheimer disease by Dr Qizilbash and colleagues¹ did not consider the potential influence of corporate sponsorship on the reported studies. Studies without corporate support found no clinical effect (references 1, 13, 14, 16, and 21 in the article). All but 1 (reference 24) of the manufacturer-supported studies found clinical benefit (references 15, 17-20, and 22). We could not locate 1 study (reference 23).

Corporate support took the form of authors who were employed by the manufacturer, received grants, or held stocks or stock options of the manufacturer; in-house research of methodological or statistical analysis provided by the manufacturer; or unidentified support. Four of the authors of the favorable meta-analysis are listed as having had or currently receiving support from the manufacturer of tacrine or similar agents.

Industry-supported research tends to showcase products.^2-3 This does not invalidate such studies, industry . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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