“E-Biomed” and Clinical Research

Abstract

In his editorial (June 10 issue),¹ Dr. Relman recommended a cautious approach to the proposal for sponsorship by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of a Web site for the publication of all new biomedical-research reports. However, the NIH proposal is considered by many to be overdue. Dissemination of the results of clinical research on the Internet is inevitable. The question is, who will publish them first? My preferences would be a high-quality, peer-reviewed site under the leadership of a publicly funded institution, such as the NIH. The advantages of this type of sponsorship are strong credibility in international science and health, an international reach that exceeds that of most organizations, and independence from commercial support.