 |
 |
 |
|
|
Home Page >>
News Articles >> Avandia Maker Tried to Silence Critic, F..
Avandia Maker Tried to Silence Critic, Feds Allege
|
| November 19, 2007. By Gordon Gibb |  RSS  Del.icio.us  Seed Newsvine  Facebook |
Washington, DC: A noted physician who has been warning about the dangerous side effects of Avandia since 1999, and who was the target of alleged intimidation by Avandia manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (Glaxo) (GSK), was vindicated Thursday by the US Senate Finance Committee.
Operating within its jurisdiction over Medicare and Medicaid, the government committee concluded November 15th that Dr. John Buse, a diabetes expert, suffered at the hands of the multinational drug manufacturer, through its attempts to silence its critic and discredit his findings.
Dr. Buse, Professor of Medicine with the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and volunteer President of Medicine and Science for the American Diabetes Association, first raised concern surrounding Avandia in 1999, not long after the oral diabetes drug first came on the market and rose to become a popular drug therapy for those suffering from Type 2 Diabetes.
Rather than consider the merits of an alternative medical opinion, the Committee found that GlaxoSmithKline, through two of its executives, engaged in a campaign to silence and discredit Dr. Buse in an effort to protect their high-flying drug Avandia.
The Committee Report alleges that GlaxoSmithKline's Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jean-Pierre Garnier, and former head of research Dr. Tachi Yamada were behind the intimidation tactics.
Yamada, currently serving as president of the global health program with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, could not be reached for comment. As for Dr. Garnier, according to a Glaxo spokesperson there would be no comment forthcoming from him.
Dr. Yamada has previously denied any and all wrongdoing, as it relates to Dr. Buse.
Nancy Pekarek, a spokesperson for the manufacturer, indicated that an attempt had been made to correct some of Dr. Buse's 'inaccuracies,' suggesting also that tempers may have flared while discussing a drug that people felt passionately about. Ms. Pekarek indicated that Glaxo had apologized for the tone of some of those conversations, and suggested that Buse had accepted the manufacturer's apology.
Dr. Buse has stated previously that the issue isn't about his relationship with Glaxo and any real or alleged threat to discredit him by their hand, but rather the presence of a product that poses risk to patients.
The Senate Finance Committee report suggested a "troubling pattern of behavior by pharmaceutical executives," seen in this case.
"The effect of silencing criticism is, in our opinion, extremely serious. Had GSK considered Avandia's increased cardiovascular risk more seriously when the issue was first raised in 1999 by Dr. Buse, instead of trying to smother an independent medical opinion, some of these heart attacks may have been avoided."
The report was released the same day as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a second black box warning for Avandia, over increased risk of heart attack. GlaxoSmithKline has agreed to undertake a long-term study concerning the real and perceived risk factors of Avandia, given the FDA's continued position that data are still inconclusive. The study suggests that barring any further unforeseen catastrophe, Avandia could remain on the market until 2014.
Avandia Legal Help
If you or a family member have used Avandia and have suffered heart attack or liver damage after taking Avandia, please contact a lawyer involved in a possible [Avandia Lawsuit] who will review your case at no cost or obligation.
Search 10,000 recent
cases and settlements
Lawsuits:
Services:
© 2001-2008 Online Legal Marketing Ltd. All rights reserved.
