Pharma: UK libel law
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In February 2010, The Guardian reported that a Danish radiologist being sued for libel by GE Healthcare, a subsidiary General Electric, was launching a 'counterclaim for libel.' [1] Henrik Thomsen previously claimed the company's contrast agent Omniscan which is used in MRI scans caused a 'potentially fatal condition in some patients with kidney problems'. According to Thomsen, 30 patients at Copehnhagen University Hospital have developed nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). [2] Thomsen counter-sued the company for defamation after it called him a liar in a press release. GE Healthcare subsequently dropped the libel action claiming it 'did not mean to stifle academic debate'.[3] Thomson released a statement claiming:
- "I stand by my publicly expressed opinion, based on my experience and research on published papers, that there is an association between the chemical formulation of gadolinium-based contrast agents and NSF."[4]
Notes
- ↑ Leigh, D. The Guardian. 16 February 2010.Danish scientist sued by drug firm under British libel laws to counterclaim Accessed 18 February 2010.
- ↑ Booth, R. The Guardian. 20 December 2009. UK libel law has gagged me, says leading Danish radiologist Accessed 18 February 2010.
- ↑ Leigh, D. 18 February 2010. The Guardian [http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/feb/18/ge-healthcare-henrik-thomsen-libel US drug firm drops libel action against scientist' Accessed 18 February 2010.
- ↑ Leigh, D. 18 February 2010. The Guardian [http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/feb/18/ge-healthcare-henrik-thomsen-libel US drug firm drops libel action against scientist' Accessed 18 February 2010.
