That’s the provocative motion for discussion at this year’s PharmaTimes’ Great Oxford Debate at the world-famous Oxford Union on Thursday 25 September.
How frustrated is pharma that it cannot talk to patients directly about the benefits of its products?
Why do politicians and regulators perpetrate the idea that pharma cannot be trusted to put the scientific case for their products directly to customers?
Patients now have unprecedented access to drug information but, if it doesn’t come from the producers, how reliable is it?
These and other questions will fuel strong arguments for and against. Again, we’re expecting a distinguished line-up of speakers – including the former Deputy Commissioner of the FDA, Dr Scott Gottlieb, Thomas Lönngren, Executive Director, European Medicines Agency and Dr Mary Baker MBE, President of the European Federation of Neurological Associations, who will propose the motion. Dr Fiona Godlee, Editor of BMJ, Dr Des Spence, GP and UK Spokesperson for ‘No Free Lunch’ and Dr Phil Hammond, GP, Broadcaster, Writer, Comedian and Vice-President, Patients’ Association will oppose the motion.
Whichever side of the argument you’re on, you too, have the opportunity to contribute to the debate by standing at the speakers' lectern where so many famous people have stood before.
It’s controversial, passionate, humourous – and a unique occasion in the pharma calendar. Don’t miss it! |