Proctor and Gamble accused of “unethical behaviour”

Claims made by Dr Aubrey Blumsohn, senior lecturer and bone metabolism specialist at Sheffield University, that Proctor and Gamble published drug research in his name even though he had not been given full access to the data are to be looked at by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA).

The Observer reports that Dr Blumsohn became very concerned about the analysis of data collected as part of a study in to the Procter and Gamble drug Actonel and its effects on women at risk of fractures.

Dr Blumsohn claims that he was prevented from seeing the full data relating to the study, despite being named as the lead author, and having two reports published in his name.

Procter and Gamble said that it is “standard industry practice” not to hand over all data to academics and reportedly told Dr Blumsohn that report ghost writer, Mary Royer, was familiar with the “key messages” the company wanted to convey about the drug.

The MHRA is to look into the claims and the issue will also be debated by MPs this week when the Commons meets to discuss regulation of the pharmaceutical industry.

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