CBC Maritimes

Why aren't all data on drug trials (and adverse reactions after commercial release) made public ?

When you're suffering - physically or mentally - you want to believe that the treatment you receive is grounded in ethics. But is there an ethical firewall to protect you from less-than-altruistic forces that can shape medical decisions, such as the profit motive, prejudice, or even clashing egos ?
Dr David Healy is a Professor in Psychological Medicine at the Cardiff University School of Medicine. He's the author of "Let Them Eat Prozac", and has published widely on what he considers threats to public safety - and to the reputation of scientific research - related to the marketing of  SSRI drugs (such brand names as Prozac, Zoloft & Paxil).
I asked him if we have any more transparency these days about adverse effects that show up in drug trials.

Between the many shades of spring and summer green and the more limited palette of winter, we get to savour the most colourful season in the Maritimes - autumn. It's highlighted by the changing hues of hardwoods, and that usually inspires the question "Why ?"
Mary Anne White and Richard Wassersug answered that, and tackled many questions about The Science of Everyday Life. Dr White is University Research Professor of Chemistry & Physics at Dalhousie University & Dr. Wassersug is Professor of biology, anatomy & neurobiology at Dal.