Avandia slammed by more studies

Two more studies have come out which raise further questions about the safety of diabetes drug Avandia. The first of the two studies, which were published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, found that Avandia doubled the risk of heart failure and raised the risk of heart attack by 42 percent. Like the high-profile research published in May, the first in recent times to slam Avandia, this research involved a combined analysis of other Avandia studies. The second JAMA study found that Actos, a similar drug, lowered the risk of heart attacks, strokes and death, though it also raised risks of heart failure. Avandia maker GlaxoSmithKline continues to contest the results of such research; in this case, it argued that the studies were flawed.

To learn more about the studies:
- read this piece [1] from The New York Times

Related Articles:
FDA panel votes to keep Avandia on the market. Report [2]
Avandia risks exposed under deal to post data. Report [3]
Avandia controversy sparks FDA criticism. Report [4]
Glaxo: Avandia critic should pay for stock drop. Report [5]
Diabetes expert issued harsh Avandia critique in 2000. Report [6]