Is A Scientific Conflicts of Interest "Witch Hunt" Under Way?

That's the question asked by Massachusetts General Hospital endocrinologist David A. Shaywitz in an op/ed in the Boston Globe. To wit:

The national preoccupation with university researchers who collaborate with drug companies has now blossomed into a full-fledged witch hunt. Before we burn these heathen scientists at the stake, however, we might want to step back and examine our underlying assumptions. . . .

Ultimately, the myopic focus on financial conflicts is likely to discourage relationships between university researchers and drug companies–a bad idea, since these associations offer enormous potential for medical advancement.

Whole thing here.