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French pharmacist fined millions for deadly slimming pill

The case is one of the biggest health scandals in French history. Mediated as a drug for diabetics in 1976, it is also widely recommended as a weight loss drug for obese people.

Heart complaints

It is estimated that about 5 million people have taken this drug. But it is not without risk.

By 1999, there were already indications that mediators might cause heart complaints. It took another ten years for the drug to be withdrawn from the market in France. In Spain, Italy and the United States, it is no longer allowed to sell for ten years.

The court today ruled that the pharmaceutical company Survivor had deliberately ignored warnings about the side effects of the drug. “They had been aware of the risks for years, but failed to take the necessary action,” the chief justice said. This would have undermined the company’s confidence in the healthcare system.

In addition to the $ 1 million fine, former top manager Jean-Philippe Cetta faces up to four years in prison. Proponents of her case have been working to make the actual transcript of this statement available online.