One Click Note: Nicola Chadwick broadcasts on Radio Netherlands, 20-10-2008: "Two pharmaceutical companies in the Netherlands have come under scrutiny for allegedly using inadmissible practices to promote their respective cervical cancer vaccines."
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Pharmalot Dutch Authorities Raid Sanofi And Glaxo Offices October 19th, 2008 Ed Silverman
 Cevarix Vaccine
There are reports from the Netherlands that the Health Inspectorate raided the drugmakers’ offices late last week as part of an investigation into the Health Council, an independent body that advises the Dutch government and parliament on public health issues, and recently recommended that girls should be vaccinated against HPV (look here).
In Europe, Sanofi-Aventis markets Gardasil, as part of a joint venture with Merck, and Glaxo markets Cervarix, which is not yet approved in the US. Both vaccines are given to treat HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer. The reports say that Health Council members were receiving research funding from the drugmakers at the same time the organization issued its recommendation to Health Minister Ab Klink.
The Socialist Party is demanding a parliamentary debate on the issue. The party’s chairperson Agnes Kant accuses the drugmakers of being too aggressive in their marketing and their efforts to influence decision-making, according to Radio Netherlands Worldwide. Meanwhile, a Dutch TV documentary program, Zembla, has more on this, but you need to read Dutch (look here).
UPDATE: Glaxo provides this statement: The idea of a “raid” on our office is absolutely untrue. We were informed of a planned visit and cooperated fully with the Dutch health inspectors. The TV program you reference - Zembla - contains a number of inaccuracies and our responses to the producers of this program were not taken into account. We are taking steps to correct the false information.
**************** Related Links: * Cervarix HPV Vaccine Forced On Diabetic Girl Against Her Will Lucy Johnston, Sunday Express * Cervarix HPV Vaccine And The ASO4 Novel Adjuvant System Lara, Health Advocate * UK Mother Slams Untested HPV Vaccine Samuel Underwood, The Argus * Dr Ian Gibson MP Promotes Vaccine Cocktail For 11 Year-Old Girls Lara, Health Advocate * HPV Vaccine Victims Pile Up: $1.5B for Merck Barbara Loe Fisher, National Vaccine Information Center * Girls Paralysed By HPV Vaccine Sue Merck Editorial, NBC4 ****************
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