How are new pharmaceutical drugs launched? How are they tested? And why do some of them turn out to be harmful, possibly fatal, despite being approved by the regulatory authorities? This documentary takes the viewer on a fascinating journey into the opaque world of the pharmaceutical laboratories.
Bernard Dalbergue, a former employee of Merck, the world’s third-biggest pharma group, reveals the sometimes questionable inner workings of the industry. Misleading marketing, political lobbying on a global scale, falsified studies and side effects swept under the carpet: this investigation shows how a drug can be swiftly brought to market even before its effectiveness has been proved, the only concern being ever greater profits.
This international investigation will focus on the launch of three drugs at the center of major pharmaceutical scandals: Vioxx, which has allegedly caused 20-40,000 deaths in the United States, Victrelis, and Gardasil.
Direction: Romain Icard
Production: Nilaya Productions for France Télévisions