Sanction those who fail to comply with clinical trial transparency

14^th September 2018, London – Transparency International is deeply concerned by new data that shows thousands of clinical trials in Europe are failing to publish their results in an effective and timely manner.

The research, conducted by researchers at Oxford University and published in the British Medical Journal, found that almost half of all European-registered clinical trials have failed to publish their results – in breach of EU rules. Amongst clinical trials sponsored by European universities a staggering 89% failed to publish their results.

Rachel Cooper, Director of Transparency International Pharmaceuticals & Health, said:

“Transparency over clinical trials is important to ensure public health agencies are making informed decisions and spending public money in the best possible way. The results of clinical trials allow us to know honestly what works and what doesn’t for patients and is therefore crucial in saving lives.”

“These new figures underline the extent to which there is still a serious lack of transparency over the results of clinical trials in the EU. The performance of universities is particularly shameful. There can be no excuse or alternative for universities not posting results on the European registry and doing so is the only mechanism for ensuring timely, comprehensive and accurate reporting of medical insights. “

“The worrying results come despite EU guidelines that require the publication of summary results for clinical trials on the EU trials registry. If these guidelines are to be effective the EMA, as well as national regulators, must put into place monitoring and enforcement mechanisms that sanction trial sponsors that fail to comply.”

***ENDS***

Contact:

Dominic Kavakeb
dominic.kavakeb@transparency.org.uk
020 3096 7695
079 6456 0340