Glaxo's Avandia Cover-Up | Mother Jones

Here's what happened: As far back as 2000, GSK had evidence that Avandia causes the body to increase levels of a potentially deadly enzyme. The company's own researchers have published studies connecting this enzyme to heart disease. But instead of informing patients and doctors, GSK patented a diagnostic test to detect the enzyme and began pouring millions into research to create a new blockbuster drug that would inhibit it, preventing heart attacks. Call it cross-product synergy.

GSK's actions "reflect a consistent pattern of objectionable behavior," says Steve Nissen, chairman of the cardiology department at the Cleveland Clinic and a drug safety champion. He adds: "Whenever the company developed evidence of harm from Avandia, they actively sought to conceal this information from physicians and patients. This pattern of deceit has resulted in serious injury or death in 50,000 to 200,000 patients."

via motherjones.com

Posted via email from Jack's posterous