https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australasian_Journal_of_Bone_%26_Joint_Medicine
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The Australasian Journal of Bone & Joint Medicine (originally titled the Australasian Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine[1]) was a periodical presented in the style of a scientific journal, published by Elsevier but established and funded by pharmaceutical company Merck. Publication began in 2002,[1] and the last known issue appeared in 2005.[2][3] According to The Scientist:
The Australasian Journal of Bone & Joint Medicine (originally titled the Australasian Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine[1]) was a periodical presented in the style of a scientific journal, published by Elsevier but established and funded by pharmaceutical company Merck. Publication began in 2002,[1] and the last known issue appeared in 2005.[2][3] According to The Scientist:The publication was not included in the MEDLINE literature database and did not have its own website.[6]
In May 2009, Elsevier admitted that a series of similar industry sponsored publications had been produced, and that "high standards for disclosure were not followed in this instance".[3] In a formal statement, the CEO of Elsevier's Health Sciences Division, Michael Hansen, admitted that the practice was "unacceptable", and expressed regret for the publications.[7] Merck has denied claims that articles within it were ghost written by Merck and has stated that the articles were all reprinted from peer-reviewed medical journals.[8]
Several medical experts stated that their names were included in the Honorary Editorial Board of the Australasian Journal of Bone and Joint Medicine without their knowledge and consent.[9][10]
There were six such "industry-sponsored" publications brought out by Elsevier without proper disclosure of their nature, and which had the superficial appearance of a legitimate independent journal.[11][12] The six publications involved were
- Australasian Journal of General Practice
- Australasian Journal of Neurology
- Australasian Journal of Cardiology
- Australasian Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
- Australasian Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine
- Australasian Journal of Bone & Joint Medicine