FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 25 March 1997
Unique Set of Papers Published Calling for End to Secrecy on Drugs
The International Journal of Risk and Safety in Medicine (IOS Press)
published today an issue devoted to the problems caused by unnecessary
secrecy in drug regulation. The journal's contents include information
never published before on the detrimental role secrecy has played in
the registration of the hypnotic triazolam (Halcion+) and the
contraceptive levonorgestrel (Norplant+). The journal also includes
articles on the tradition of secrecy in drug regulation, the striking
differences in information available from national drug regulatory
agencies, how secrecy influences the reporting of side effects, the
ways it affects regulators in developing countries and Eastern and
Central Europe and its influence on international harmonisation
initiatives.
As the journal's editorial states: "Developments in medical science,
the increasing role of market forces, and a climate of personal
responsibility in health all make it imperative that we draw back the
veil of secrecy over medicine and concentrate on regulation which is
unashamedly in the public interest. The message which emerges from
these articles is one which we should not ignore: openness and
accountability are preconditions for responsible and democratic
decision making, in medicine as much as in other areas. Those involved
in drug regulation cannot properly serve the interests of those who
use medicines if they are not subject to public scrutiny."
The journal contains many of the papers presented at a meeting of drug
policy experts co-organised by Health Action International (HAI) and
the Dag Hammarskjoeld Foundation, which explored the origins and
consequences of secrecy in drug regulation.
HAI welcomes yet another voice emphasising the problems caused by
excessive secrecy in drug regulation. HAI argues that transparency and
public accountability are necessary for successful drug regulation.
Only limited, well-defined exceptions to this rule should be made to
protect legitimate trade secrets and the privacy of individuals. HAI
will continue to support the growing international campaign to
encourage governments and drug authorities to adopt more open and
accountable systems of drug regulation.
For more information, please contact:
Lisa Hayes
Publications & Information Officer
HAI-Europe
Jacob van Lennepkade 334-T
1053 NJ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
tel: (+31-20) 683 3684
fax: (+31-20) 685 5002
e-mail: HAI@HAI.ANTENNA.NL
Elizabeth Hayes
Health Action International Europe
Jacob van Lennepkade 334 T, 1053 NJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
tel: +31 20 6833684, fax: +31 20 6855002
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