Editorial Independence
Pharma Studies Policies · Editorial Standards
Editorial Independence
International Journal of Pharma Studies
The International Journal of Pharma Studies is committed to maintaining editorial independence, transparency, fairness, and integrity throughout the publication process. This policy is informed by relevant guidance and Core Practices of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), where applicable.
Editorial decisions should be based on the scholarly quality, relevance, originality, scientific validity, research integrity, and ethical acceptability of the work. Such decisions should not be improperly influenced by commercial, personal, institutional, or financial interests.
Independence in Editorial Decision-Making
The International Journal of Pharma Studies recognizes that the journal, publisher, editors, or affiliated organizations may have interests that could create an actual or perceived conflict. Where an institutional or organizational interest could reasonably affect an editorial decision, the journal will seek to manage the situation in a manner that protects the independence and integrity of the editorial process.
Editorial decisions, including manuscript acceptance or rejection, are made independently of any Article Processing Charge (APC) and are not influenced by an author's ability or willingness to pay.
Editorial decisions should not be made primarily for:
Commercial or financial benefit, including pharmaceutical industry interests.
Personal relationships or interests.
Institutional pressure or sponsorship arrangements.
Preferential treatment of research involving particular drugs, pharmaceutical products, manufacturers, or commercial organizations.
Other inappropriate considerations unrelated to the scholarly and ethical assessment of the work.
Publisher's Role
The publisher of the International Journal of Pharma Studies supports the journal's editorial and operational functions but should not improperly influence individual editorial decisions. Editorial judgment on the acceptance, rejection, or revision of manuscripts rests with the editors and editorial board, subject to the journal's established policies and procedures.
Editors and Editorial Board Members
Editors and editorial board members must maintain independence and impartiality when handling manuscripts. An editor should disclose and, where appropriate, recuse themselves from handling a manuscript where a conflict could reasonably affect their editorial judgment.
Editors should evaluate pharmaceutical research objectively, including studies involving drug development, clinical trials, pharmaceutical formulations, pharmacology, toxicology, and related scientific investigations, without inappropriate influence from commercial sponsors or other interested parties.
Where the Editor-in-Chief submits a manuscript to the journal, that manuscript must be handled independently by another qualified editor or editorial board member. The Editor-in-Chief must not participate in the peer-review or editorial decision-making process for that manuscript.
Managing Conflicts
The International Journal of Pharma Studies seeks to protect confidential information while maintaining appropriate transparency in its editorial procedures. Where a conflict of interest may affect editorial judgment, the journal will take appropriate steps to protect the integrity and independence of the editorial process.
Particular care should be taken where pharmaceutical industry funding, drug manufacturers, product-related interests, clinical trial sponsorship, or financial relationships could affect the assessment or interpretation of research findings. Specific requirements concerning conflicts of interest are addressed in the journal's Conflict of Interest Policy.
Reconsideration and Appeals
Concerns regarding editorial independence or potential conflicts affecting an editorial decision may be submitted for reconsideration with a clear explanation and any relevant supporting information. The journal may review the matter and, where appropriate, seek additional information or independent advice.
Formal appeals are handled in accordance with the journal's Complaints and Appeals Policy.
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains consistent with recognized standards of academic and pharmaceutical publishing practice, research integrity, and responsible editorial decision-making.