Conclusion
In conclusion, this investigation revealed that over 60% of allergists
certified by the Japanese Society of Allergology received non-research
payments related to lecturing, consulting, and manuscript drafting from
pharmaceutical companies between 2016 and 2020. These payments were
predominantly distributed to a limited number of allergists. Notably,
there was a significant annual increase in payment amounts exceeding
seven percent prior to the pandemic. In contrast, a marked decline in
both the number of allergists receiving payments and the total payment
amounts was observed in 2020, concurrent with the onset of the COVID-19
pandemic in Japan.