This editorial was sparked by a recent proposal by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). They are considering requiring that those pub

This editorial was sparked by a recent proposal by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). They are considering requiring that those publishing clinical trial reports must also share the underlying data. The ICMJE says that authors should have the ability to prevent release of the data for six months after publication. This will prevent researchers from performing independent analyses of a study, until well after its conclusions have been trumpeted in the press. Also, while many papers currently promise data or other materials are "available on request," anyone who has tried to actually get these data knows that this is often just wishful thinking. Only by requiring data availability in an independent repository at publication can journal editors and reviewers ensure that it will be available to other researchers and the public. The ICMJE is accepting comments on this proposal through April 18: https://forms.acponline.org/webform/comments-icmje%E2%80%99s-proposals-sharing-clinical-trial-data https://forms.acponline.org/webform/comments-icmje%E2%80%99s... If you are a patient or a researcher, please comment.