ASCO Data Springs More Biotech Leaks

Drug and biotech companies aren't enamored of the ASCO policy either, and for good reason. They're handcuffed by the rules -- forbidden from discussing embargoed data even though they know that this information leaks out freely. And if companies violate the rules, ASCO can refuse to allow them to present any data at the meeting -- something these companies obviously can't afford to have happen.

No one wants to get on ASCO's bad side, which is why a lot of companies grumble privately about ASCO's rules, but few want to discuss it publicly. I called ImClone for a comment, but so far, I haven't heard back from them. That's about par for the course when these leaks occur.

The ASCO annual meeting is the most important cancer research get-together of the year. It's an important and valuable meeting for cancer researchers, patients and investors alike. But ASCO stubbornly chooses to stick to a research abstract-distribution policy that is unfair, unnecessary and encourages inappropriate or even illegal behavior.

A simple fix could change all this and stop ASCO from sullying its reputation. Why they won't make the change is a mystery to me.