May 22, 2007—The New England Journal of Medicine published an article concluding that Avandia substantially increases the risk of heart attacks, compared to other diabetes drugs or a placebo.
The article reviewed more than 40 clinical studies involving 28,000 patients. Dr. Steven Nissen, the lead reviewer, estimated that tens of thousands of people experienced heart attacks as a result of their taking Avandia.
GlaxoSmithKline had been aware of these problems since at least August 2006, when a similar analysis conducted by its experts revealed the same type of risk. Notwithstanding substantial data detailing the unfavorable health risk, GlaxoSmithKline defends the safety of Avandia and claims the drug has a comparable cardiovascular profile to competing oral antidiabetic medications. |
