Big news in Maine Posted by Liz at 06/13/05 02:07 PM

The legislature there has just passed and sent to the Governor a bill that would require drug companies to publish the results of ALL clinical trials, not just the ones that make their drugs look good.

For the first time, consumers, doctors, and researchers may be able to have complete information about possible harmful drug side effects.

After the public found out that drug companies hid information on the serious health risks of drugs like Vioxx and Paxil, thousands of concerned consumers contacted their representatives, demanding reform.

Now, representatives are taking action, and this may be a bitter pill for drug companies to swallow.

If Governor Baldacci signs this bill-Maine will be a leader in protecting patients and doctors against harmful drug side effects that drug companies want to stay hidden. They will be an example that the rest of the country needs to follow, as bills requiring the release of clinical trials results have been introduced in other states across the country, as well as in Congress.

This may be the beginning of a long line of victories for consumers across the country.

comments (1)

1 Posted by Kathy Watkins at 10/05/05 03:14 AM

This is really great news. Kudos to Governor Baldacci and the Maine legislature. I would imagine the pharma lobby will now try to pass a federal law to wipe out all this work at the state level. They are relentless.