An Open Pharma Vision for company-sponsored biomedical research publications | BMJ Open

Abstract:  Open Science aims to fight misinformation and improve trust in scientific research; it encourages the reliability and accessibility of evidence, reduces inequalities through the democratisation of scientific knowledge and focuses scientific endeavours on issues of societal significance. As a multisponsor collaboration committed to driving positive change, Open Pharma has a multifaceted vision for scientific research publications funded by pharmaceutical companies (‘company research publications’) that aligns strongly with Open Science tenets. This new vision statement outlines our forward-looking principles for company research publications, both for short-term attainment (‘immediate’) and long-term commitment (‘ultimate’). Together, the principles provide a framework for positive collective action by all stakeholders involved in the development and dissemination of peer-reviewed company research publications. Underpinned by our central commitment to transparency for company research publications, we outline goals for: universal access to these publications; provision of peer-reviewed plain language summaries of the publications to aid comprehension among non-specialist readers; leveraging author and institutional metadata to advance transparency, discoverability and research impact; working towards FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reuse) data principles through cross-sector consensus and action, and disclosure of patient involvement in research and its reporting to support transparency and encourage a research ecosystem attuned to patient centricity. We call on all stakeholders to realise the Open Pharma Vision and achieve an open and trusted future for company research publications that will ultimately advance patient care and improve global health.