The gifts from pharma companies that keep on giving

ByEd Silverman

Sept. 10, 2026

Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer

Ed Silverman

Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morningPharmalittle newsletterand the afternoonPharmalot newsletter.

For years, drugmakers have offered free meals, samples, gifts, and speaking fees to physicians, a widely studied issue due to concerns such largesse may unduly influence prescribing habits.

But to what extent have interactions between doctors and pharmaceutical representatives changed behaviors over time?

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A new analysis attempts to provide some answers. A group of researchers surveyed 283 physicians who were among more than 1,300 medical students and residents queried in 2011. They compared the responses to an updated effort that was undertaken two years ago, and the results suggest the topic is likely to remain contentious.

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Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $399/year

Then $399/year

Annual

$399

Save 15%

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300 Annually per user

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1. Ed Silverman

   Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer

   Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morningPharmalittle newsletterand the afternoonPharmalot newsletter.

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