A team of public health experts has called for the release of all clinical drug trial results for independent analysis following a “frustrating” three-year battle for access to data on controversial flu drug Tamiflu.
The team, which includes Bond University Professor of Public Health Chris Del Mar, says that in the case of Tamiflu – stockpiled by many countries at enormous cost to taxpayers – drug companies, drug regulators, and public health bodies such as the World Health Organisation have all made discrepant claims about its clinical effects.
Despite a recent review that raised questions about the efficacy of Tamiflu, the drug remains on the World Health Organisation’s List of Essential Medicines.
On several occasions in recent years, health bodies in Japan have raised concerns about the side-effects of Tamiflu after children who were taking the drug apparently committed suicide or harmed themselves.
“We are worried about the side-effects of [Tamiflu], which have been inconsistently reported,” Professor Del Mar said.
http://theconversation.edu.au/drug-trial-results-must-be-made-public-6358
