Trends in Research Payments From the Industry to Dermatologists

Between 2015 and 2023, 1,610 dermatologists received a total of $1.44 billion in research payments, with an average of 84% directed to NCEs with a dermatologist PI. Research payments to NCEs with a dermatologist PI declined from $161.0 million in 2015 to $107.6 million in 2023, but the overall trend was not statistically significant (p = 0.27). The top 10 NCE organizations received $179 million, with most being private institutions involved in pharmaceutical clinical trials. Four pharmaceutical companies accounted for nearly half of all research payments. Conclusion: Most research payments from the industry to dermatologists originated from a small number of pharmaceutical companies and were directed to NCEs, which have minimal reporting requirements. These findings underscore gaps in transparency within the OPP and highlight the need for new disclosure requirements regarding the distribution and use of funds to NCEs.