Pharmaceutical chief walks out on drug trial interview

(source)The chief executive of a pharmaceutical giant refused to continue a radio interview yesterday after he was repeatedly pressed on publishing data from drug trials.

Dr Jean-Pierre Garnier, the chief executive of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), defended the transparency of the company when he was probed about the release of information on the antidepressant Seroxat by presenter James Naughtie on BBC Radio Four's Today programme.

However, as Mr Naughtie tried to seek further answers Dr Garnier terminated the discussion.

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Seroxat is the most frequently prescribed antidepressant in the UK, but there have been complaints that it triggers suicidal feelings in some patients.

In May 2003, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which ensures the safety of drugs in the UK, received data from GSK confirming that patients under 18 had a higher risk of suicidal behaviour if they were treated with Seroxat compared with a placebo.

Within weeks, the MHRA advised doctors not to prescribe the drug to under-18s and later launched an investigation.

Two months ago the agency said it remained concerned that GSK failed to raise the alarm earlier over its side-effects.

Yesterday, Mr Naughtie raised the issue after interviewing Dr Garnier about a pandemic bird flu vaccine.

Following a small series of exchanges, Mr Naughtie continued to press him about the openness of the company, whereupon Dr Garnier said: "Sir. I am not interested in answering this question. We have dealt with this subject. Thank you very much for taking the time to hear about pandemic and I wish you the best. Goodbye."

Yesterday, GSK said it did not wish to comment on the interview.