Analysis of the relationship between the inclusion of industry authors and the impact and perception of peer-reviewed scientific publications

Abstract

Objective: To assess whether pharmaceutical industry authorship affects the impact and perceived credibility of clinical publications.

Methods: A PubMed search for clinical trials in four therapy areas (oncology, cardiometabolism, central nervous system and inflammation), published in peer-reviewed journals between 2018 and 2023, was performed. Industry authors were identified. Publication impact (total citations and X interactions) was analyzed for each paper. A multinational survey of 180 healthcare professionals assessed whether industry authorship affects perception of publications.

Results: A weak but significant negative correlation was demonstrated between the percentage of industry authors and academic citations and X interactions (r = -0.10 and r = -0.13, respectively; both p < 0.0001), regardless of journal impact factor or total author number. Papers with ≥50% or lead/last authors from industry had significantly lower citations and X interactions. In the survey, 57% of respondents thought author affiliation and 24% thought industry affiliation were important factors affecting publication credibility. Over half of respondents thought publication credibility decreased due to high numbers (56%) or a majority (61%) of industry authors, and an industry author as lead/last author (57%). 68% associated high numbers of industry authors with a potential for bias.

Conclusion: These analyses show that industry authorship influences the credibility and impact of scientific publications. It is essential to raise awareness of the pharmaceutical industry's commitment to good publication practices, which ensures authorship is based on merit and genuine contributions. Future research should focus on understanding and addressing how authorship dynamics shape the perception and trustworthiness of scientific work, ensuring a balance that fosters both innovation and public confidence.

Keywords: Industry authorship; academic impact; clinical publications; good publication practice; perceived credibility.