Tobacco lobby in Switzerland: how Philip Morris is involved in investigations

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Cigarette packs in Switzerland remain colored – although more and more countries are introducing “plain packaging” and only selling cigarette packs in uniformly dark colours. Various studies show: This inhibits tobacco consumption.

A 2014 study from the University of Zurich came to a different conclusion: according to it, plain packaging has no influence on the frequency of tobacco consumption. The research was conducted on behalf of tobacco multinational Philip Morris (PMI). Now a new document originally available for ‘Switzerland at the Weekend’ shows that the tobacco lobby’s influence on the investigation was greater than previously thought.

Put studying in a new light

The article shows that the University of Zurich has assured PMI access to the interim results of the study. And also the freedom to decide whether it is published or not. Furthermore, the University of Zurich gave PMI influence over the research goals and even asked the tobacco company what “future research directions” should be pursued.

Ben Jann (51), professor at the Institute of Sociology of the University of Bern, viewed the research shortly after publication. At the time he found that the technical aspects were largely correct, but he did note some methodological quirks. However, the publisher’s recently published supplement puts this in a new light, he tells Blick. “The tests carried out are not wrong, but the researchers have made some unusual decisions. Based on the appendix to the contract, it is not unreasonable to assume that the intention was to present the results in a certain light.

However, the University of Zurich media office emphasized that the research was commissioned. There would be agreement on the research design, in the sense that the task and purpose are defined together with the client.

PMI also funds ETH research

The fact that Switzerland gives the tobacco industry a lot of leeway is systematic: Switzerland is one of the few countries in the world and the only country in Europe that has not ratified the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This requires, among other things, that sponsorship by the tobacco lobby be limited where there could be a conflict of interest – for example in research.

The Swiss Tobacco Prevention Working Group recently came across further research funding from PMI at ETH. The tobacco multinational invested one million francs and 120,000 francs each for two projects at ETH Zurich, the ETH press spokesperson said, according to RTS. The research examines the influence of a carcinogenic substance in tobacco smoke on DNA. At the end of the study it is even stated that “competing financial interests” are recognized, as three authors of the study are employees of PMI. (zac)

Source:Blick