NIH Proposes Tougher Conflict of Interest Rules

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WASHINGTON -- Internal and external reviews have led Dr. Elias Zerhouni, director of the National Institutes of Health, to recommend deep changes in his agency's conflict of interest policies.

"It is imperative that Congress and the American people trust that the decisions made by our scientists are motivated solely by public health priorities and scientific opportunities, not personal financial concerns," Dr. Zerhouni said in written testimony to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce subcommittee on oversight and investigations.

Dr. Zerhouni said that he will work with Department of Health and Human Services officials in the Office of the Secretary and the …