BMJ Tightens Ban on Tobacco-Funding Following Investigation Into the Industry’s Continued Influence on Science

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) has tightened its restrictions on tobacco-funded research following an investigation into the industry&rsquo;s continued influence over science. In collaboration with The Investigative Desk, BMJ journalists revealed hundreds of relationships between big tobacco companies with authors, publishers and institutions in top medical journals.&nbsp;
The tobacco industry has strategically influenced scientific studies for decades, steering research outcomes to downplay the health risks associated with smoking. In 1998, the landmark Master Settlement Agreement took action against Big Tobacco in science, preventing companies from suppressing scientific research. The MSA also dissolved three major industry-funded research groups, which were set up to attack studies that support the harms of tobacco use.&nbsp;