VOA常速英语2008年-Merck Accused of Hiding Evidence of Vioxx Risk

By Melinda Smith
Washington
17 April 2008
 

The controversial relationship in the United States between the medical profession and the drug industry is in the spotlight¹. A prominent medical publication, The Journal of the American Medical Association, has criticized the results of two clinical trials by the pharmaceutical² giant, Merck. The clinical trials, completed before the drug was later taken off the market, tested an anti-inflammatory drug called Vioxx for possible treatment of Alzheimer's disease. VOA's Melinda Smith examines the possible conflicts of interest raised by the journal article, and whether lives might have been saved if the public had known more.

 

1 spotlight   

n.公众注意的中心，聚光灯，探照灯，视听，注意，醒目

参考例句：

• This week the spotlight is on the world of fashion.本周引人瞩目的是时装界。
• The spotlight followed her round the stage.聚光灯的光圈随着她在舞台上转。

2 pharmaceutical   

adj.药学的，药物的；药用的，药剂师的

参考例句：

• She has donated money to establish a pharmaceutical laboratory.她捐款成立了一个药剂实验室。
• We are engaged in a legal tussle with a large pharmaceutical company.我们正同一家大制药公司闹法律纠纷。