A LOSS CAUSES A BREAKTHROUGH

Given its independent position and confidence, the Archives of Gastroenterology has always maintained and enjoyed the respect prestige from medical practitioners and the pharmaceutical industry. Several years ago, we established a unique partnership model with Janssen Pharmaceutical where they funded the entire production of the periodical and the magazine advertised the company’s products, being distributed via the laboratory’s representatives and by mail selected by the IBEPEGE. When this partner withdrew, the Archives were without industry support for one day only. It began a lengthy relationship with the Takeda Laboratory in Brazil (first BYK Pharmaceutical, later Nycomed). This was a favourable partnership, where brand support was established for several years without any interference in journal content. This association was productive for both parties because aside from increasing the magazine’s importance and impact factor, it strengthened a brand with extensive gastroenterology products.

Contrary to the will of both institutions, this long-term ethical relationship has been terminated. An agreement signed between the multinational companies by Interfarma prevents their continued collaboration. Despite producing new challenges for the Editorial Board to overcome, this cessation does not affect our sense of gratitude and friendship developed over the years.

The “open access” electronic format is up-to-date and improving. Presently, a complete, modern site with direct access to the magazine will be available with enriched content that the media currently does not provide such as publication of endoscopy and surgery videos, case presentations, and medical news for public interest. This is another avenue where associated specialty societies can publish their guidelines, events, and resolutions.

The Archives’ scope remains undiminished since its foundation: to publish, promote, assist, and encourage scientific production. This position of neutrality builds networks across Brazil and abroad. We maintain our intention of employing the fully blinded ‘peer reviews’ system to demonstrate our determination to promote scientific papers.¹

Not printing the magazine in bulk-on paper-may margi­nally affect our image but conversely, the ecological appeal of primarily employing electronic methods denotes acceding to the requirements needs of humanity.

Although the Archives of Gastroenterology will complete 55 years this year, it is increasingly young. While we mourn the loss of Takeda Laboratory’s support, we found new alternatives to publish the periodic. We are proud to be the greatest gastroenterology journal of Latin origin worldwide and be independent of large corporations and publishers. Our desire is to continue receiving the attention of authors, reviewers, and readers.

REFERENCE

• ¹
  Viebig RG. One day at a time... Arq Gastroenterol. 2015;52(4):253-4.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Jan-Mar 2018