While in many ways the pharmaceutical industry is a victim of its own success (everyone wants access to effective prescription drugs as cheaply as possible) the industry has sustained some well-deserved criticism for its lack of transparency when it comes to industry sponsored clinical drug trials. As long as some trial data remains undisclosed the industry remains vulnerable to the charge that it places drug profits above patient health.

Finally, however, one company is taking its cue from the well-worn political adage that, when it comes to warding off potential scandals, it is always best to tell all that you know as soon as you know it. With that in mind, Eli Lilly has announced a plan to disclose almost all of its clinical trial data from marketed drugs over the last 10 years. Lilly has also promised to embrace data transparency by continuing to reveal data from all "early to late stage clinical trials, including safety information and outcomes." It will even disclose trials that test established drugs for "off-label uses." Dr. Alan Breier, Lilly's chief medical officer, said that "patient care is served best by open disclosure." Dr. Breier is right - and what is good for patient care is also good for the industry.