The Guidance includes criteria to be used when assessing potential collaborations and gives recommendations for collaborations in general.

CDC should address independence and objectivity of scientific judgment in the potential collaboration.

Multimedia is another area of potential collaboration.

But with the bellwether merger now dead, some in the industry worry about a chilling effect on potential collaborations between these two rival camps.

A number of issues should be addressed in deciding whether to enter into a potential collaboration.

The relative contribution of each issue to the decision will depend upon the specific circumstances of the potential collaboration.

Will the potential collaboration have a reasonably large impact relative to the resources required?

What is the impact of the potential collaboration on the public's health?

Any organization can approach CDC regarding a potential collaboration.

Individuals not directly involved in a potential collaboration should formally review the proposal at some stage in the negotiation process.