Healthy Skepticism Library item: 18615

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: news

Jack A
AstraZeneca had internal debate on drug data
The Finanical Times 2010 Aug 22
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/9d45a982-ae0c-11df-bb55-00144feabdc0,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9d45a982-ae0c-11df-bb55-00144feabdc0.html&_i_referer=

Abstract:

There are lies, damned lies and … the results of clinical trials. That might be the conclusion from internal AstraZeneca documents made public during litigation on its antipsychotic drug Seroquel, which is now coming to a close.

They highlight apparent efforts by the group to communicate favourable data selectively to boost prescriptions. Their full context may never be fully scrutinised because of out-of-court settlements being finalised with US patients and prosecutors.

AstraZeneca said: “Selected documents produced in connection with the Seroquel product liability litigation do not provide a fair and accurate picture. The company has worked diligently with the US Food and Drug Administration to ensure that the safety profile of Seroquel is reflected appropriately in the prescribing information.” …