Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9866

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Addicted to secrecy
Nature 446, 832 (19 April 2007) 2007 Apr 19; 446:(7138):832
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v446/n7138/full/446832b.html

Abstract:

Sealed drug documents should be opened up.

In the course of lengthy, expensive litigation over drug safety in the United States, opposing sets of lawyers often form unholy alliances. These cases are frequently settled before reaching court, and the two sides agree to confidentiality orders being placed on any drug-company documents to which they have been granted access. This suits the courts, which want parties to cases under their jurisdiction to gain access to as much information as possible; the drug companies, who want to keep most of the data confidential; and the plaintiffs’ lawyers, who want to win a good deal for their clients. But it may not suit the wider public interest…