April 16, 2010– The New York Times reported this week that an investigation performed by researchers at the Mayo Clinic revealed that GlaxoSmithKline paid experts to author articles endorsing the diabetes drug Avandia.  GlaxoSmithKline manufacturers the drug, which is used to control blood glucose levels for patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes.  Following a 2007 study performed by The New England Journal of Medicine, which concluded that Avandia increased the risk for heart attack, the drug has been the subject of increased scrutiny in the medical community.

In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration required a “black box” safety warning be added to Avandia.  This is the strongest safety warning required by the FDA.  Since that time, the FDA has debated whether Avandia should be taken off the market.

In this latest study, researchers at the Mayo Clinic analyzed 202 articles

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by 180 authors who opined on Avandia’s link to increased heart attacks.  In conducting its investigation, the Mayo Clinic brought in independent reviewers with no conflicts of interest to grade each article as favorable, neutral or unfavorable, based on the author’s support of Avandia as related to its risk of heart attack.  The investigation, which was published in the British Medical Journal, concluded that 87% of the authors who supported the continued use of Avandia had potential conflicts of interest with either GlaxoSmithKline or one of its competitors.  Additionally, the investigation found that 90 of the 202 articles were authored by people with potential ties to the drug manufacturers, yet only 69 of them included a statement disclosing the fact.  

Avandia Linked to Heart Attacks

In February 2010, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee issued a report linking Avandia to tens of thousands of heart attacks.  The report also stated that GlaxoSmithKline knew of the drug’s risks, but kept that information from the public.  This revelation comes as hundreds of lawsuits challenging Avandia’s warnings are working their way through the courts.  On October 16, 2007, a multidistrict litigation was created to monitor and promote efficient conduct of the various litigants.

Avandia Lawsuits

If you or a loved one have used Avandia and have suffered a heart attack, congestive heart failure, any heart complications, or any other serious injury, contact us immediately to discuss your legal rights and options.