European Medicines Agency should disclose clinical reports on anti-obesity drugs, says Ombudsman

The European Ombudsman, P Nikiforos Diamandouros, has called on the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) to grant access to clinical study reports and trial protocols for two anti-obesity drugs.

This follows a complaint from Danish researchers in the field of health care who wanted to conduct an independent analysis. The EMEA refused their request for public access to these documents on the grounds that disclosure would undermine the drug producers' commercial interests.

During his investigation, the Ombudsman inspected the relevant reports and protocols. He concluded that their disclosure would not undermine commercial interests. The Ombudsman recommended that the EMEA should disclose the documents or else give convincing arguments as to why access cannot be given.