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Data from clinical trials can be excluded to produce a certain result, one which will then affect clinical decisions, prescription of drugs and therefore patient safety.

Whilst holding information back seems scientifically reprehensible, they may be legitimate reasons for doing so. Information that does not directly affect the conclusions reached may be considered unnecessary to include, as is data that is statistically insignificant.

But what about information that would considerably alter the results of a trial if included? Studies have demonstrated that suppression of such data has occurred.

While this may not always have dangerous implications; for example prioritising one treatment over another when there is actually little to distinguish the two, concealment of this knowledge is not beneficial to the patients, or indeed their clinicians.

Only a full understanding of all the implications of a certain product can allow these clinicians to make informed decisions and avoid any errors. This would also provide patients with a greater level of confidence in the industry that quite literally has their lives in its hands.

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