Industry Funds Controversial UCLA Tobacco Study

Source from:  jointogether.org February 12, 2008  02/13/2008

A UCLA addiction study that includes teen smokers, animal testing and unusual secrecy is being funded with $6 million from tobacco company Philip Morris, sparking condemnation from animal-rights activists as well as critics who decry the involvement of the tobacco industry, the Los Angeles Times reported Feb. 9. The goal of the study led by UCLA professor Edythe London is to help people quit smoking and develop new addiction treatments. "We are doing this because we really want to save lives," London said. "I am really proud of what we are doing. We have a track record for contributing to science, and we would like to bring that to bear on the problem of nicotine addiction." But London has been targeted for attacks by animal-rights groups outraged over the killing of lab monkeys for the study, including having her house flooded with a garden hose, causing $20,000 in damage. Antismoking groups, meanwhile, suspect that Philip Morris' real interest in the research is to develop a more addictive cigarette. "It's stunning in this day and age that a university would do secret research for the tobacco industry on the brains of children," said Matt Meyers of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "It raises fundamental questions about the integrity, honesty and openness of research anywhere at the University of California." "I have no idea why Philip Morris decides to fund this antismoking research, but they do," replied Roberto Peccei, vice chancellor of research at UCLA. "As long as we do not feel that we are interfered with and that the research is done with the highest intentions, what's in the mind of the funder is irrelevant." Philip Morris officials denied that they had any ulterior motives in funding the research. Some of London's colleagues also expressed dismay over the study. "Edythe is a very good researcher, and frankly I'm shocked she would take the money," said Michael Cummings of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. "I think she's naive." UCLA faculty members may accept funding for research from any source, but antismoking activists have been pushing the school to change that policy. Instead, the state's Board of Regents agreed to establish a committee to review research proposals that -- like London's study -- originate with the tobacco industry. London maintains that it would be "immoral" not to take money from Philip Morris, and UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block defended London and her study. "All the evidence leads me to believe that the research supported by Philip Morris is independent research of high quality," he said. "Edythe London's program is celebrated. She is studying addiction, important issues, human issues, that have an enormous effect on people's lives." Enditem