How the MMR experts are tied to the drug firms

Daily Mail March 11, 2003

HERE, we highlight nine experts on Government committees or involved in Government research - with links to companies involved in MMR vaccines. While, no doubt, they have been pro­fessional in their research the public are bound to question their neutrality.

DR PHIL MINOR

Expert in vaccine safety for the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control. Heads department which received £300,000 to recreate study which first raised fears of a link between autism and MMR.

Sat on the Medical Research Council's review body into autism which con­cluded that there was 'no evidence' to support a link.

Interests: Has been paid to advise GlaxoSmithKline, suppliers of MMR vaccine Priorix, in a test case brought by families who claim their children were damaged by it.

PROF HEMBY DARGIE

Member of Committee on Safety of Medicines.

Interests: Has worked as consultant to GlaxoSmithK-line.

DR MUHAMMED AFZAL

Leader of MMR programme at National Institute for Biological Standards and Control.

Interests: Has given free advice to legal firms repre­senting companies involved in action by families who claim their children were damaged by MMR.

PROF JONATHAN COHEN

Member of Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immuni­sation.

Interests: Has worked as a consultant to GlaxoSmithK-line.

DR DAVID GOLDBLATT

Member of Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immuni­sation.

Member of the Public Health Laboratory Service Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation. Interests: 'Occasional member of expert panels’ foi GlaxoSmithKline and MMR supplier Aventis Pasteur MSD. Non-personal interests include 'industrial support’ from GlaxoSmithKline.

DR MICHAEL DONAGHY

Member of Committee on Safety of Medicines.

Interests: A shareholder in GlaxoSmithKline.

DR COLIN FORFAB

Member of Committee on Safety of Medicines.

Interests: A shareholder in GlaxoSmithKline.

PROF DAVID NUTT

Member of Committee on Safety of Medicines.

Interests: Has been con­sultant to GlaxoSmithKline and holds shares in the company.

PROF JOHN SMYTH

Member of Committee on Safety of Medicines.

Interests: Was consultant to GlaxoSmithKline.