The ‘T’ word is a hot-button issue in pharma these days. We mean ‘transparency.’ After all, drugmakers are regularly criticized for failing to disclose info about clinical trials, research grants, political contributions and clinical trials. So AstraZeneca is trying to remedy this by expanding its disclosure policy.

Specifically, the drugmaker plans to post info on its US web site about contributions to state and federal political candidates through its political action committee, including names of recipients and the amounts contributed. Beginning with 2008 contributions, this info will be updated in connection with filings to the Federal Election Commission. Our thought: Why not post contributions for the past few years?

By this fall, AstraZeneca plans to publish info about independent medical education grants and contributions to non-profits provided in the first half of 2008, including the names of recipients, the purpose of the grant and the grant amount. The info will be updated on a biannual basis. Our thought: This should be updated more frequently, at least quarterly.

And finally, the drugmaker says it will post all post-marketing study commitments, so one can track its progress in completing the studies. This is intended to supplement clinical trial data already posted on its web site.

Any thoughts on what else AstraZeneca should be doing?

UPDATE: A loyal reader reminds us that AstraZeneca, and several other drugmakers, last year agreed to disclose charitable and educational contributions at the behest of various advocacy groups. You can read about that effort here.