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.