Drug firms to reveal clinical trial results

THE world's major drug companies have promised to publish more data about the clinical trials of their medicines.

There is growing public concern that they have been secretive about tests carried out on their products before they go on the market.

A voluntary register was agreed yesterday under which companies will be expected to place all data from the later trials of new medicines on websites accessible to the public.

The information should be made available within a year of a drug being licensed. In addition, registration of new trials at initiation will allow patients and specialists to take part.

The scheme will take effect from 1 July this year, while some trials will be included on the register by mid-September. Firms signing up include GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Aventis, Novartis, Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

Concern has grown over drug trials after the withdrawal of the painkiller Vioxx and accusations that data about the anti-depressant Seroxat was suppressed.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry said the scheme would ensure 'complete transparency'.

Director General Richard Barker said: 'Being able to register a trial at its inception means that patients will know it exists. In terms of results, it helps remove the suspicion that companies hide the results of these trials.'

Companies will not be expected to publicise findings from early 'exploratory' trials or release data on drugs that never reach the market.