Drug firms pressed to hand over antidepressant data

This unprecedented step was the result of a recent publication that examined all available data on the antidepressants, including trials that had not been published. The study found that when patients on the drugs were compared with those who were taking a placebo, they showed similar rates of improvement and antidepressants in general did not appear to work well.

The data regarding the antidepressant studies is to be handed over to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice). The organization is planning to conduct fresh studies on the antidepressants. Backed by the UK government, Nice plans to make a public request for the data from the pharma companies. The pharma companies are likely to face criticism if they refuse to part with their data.