Current Posts – 17 October 2016

The secret data from statin trials remains locked away but even when CFS/ME patients managed to secure the release of hidden data against all the odds the only reaction was a stunned silence. Hidden data and dodgy impenetrable statistics are making it hard for patients to know what to believe. However there might be a way to let some light in and keep researchers on the right track.

For years scientifically-minded patients strongly suspected that the officially approved treatment for a serious disease was not nearly as good as claimed. Last year 10,000 patients with this disease petitioned for the original research to be re-examined. The London University involved refused. In fact, it spent nearly a quarter of a million pounds to prevent the re-examination. Last week the data was released and the patients suspicions were confirmed.

The metaphorical thud of yet another massive analysis of statin trials landing in computer inboxes was heard again last week. No surprise that it reveals that statins are even safer and more effective than ever before. It’s not going to achieve its aim –to silence once and for all the statins doubters and naysayers – but it does show that its authors really aren’t interested in criticisms. Here are just some of the unanswered questions it slides by.