In France, since the withdrawal of Mediator0 (benfluorex) in 2009, a "drug safety" law has been passed. The modus operandi of the French drug regulatory agency has been improved. The public has a better understanding of the concept of conflicts of interest. An official website (www.transparence.sante.gouv.fr) publishes information on financial links between pharmaceutical companies and health professionals, associations, etc. Medical student associations are no longer accepting funding from pharmaceutical companies. Greater use is being made of national health insurance data, to better assess the extent of the harmful effects of medicines. The mainstream media dare to criticise medicines, through evidence-based reporting. A months-long trial to determine any criminal liability arising from the Mediator0 disaster commenced in September 2019. The firm is charged with concealing benfluorex's appetite-suppressant nature and the drug's adverse effects. The French agency is accused of allowing itself to be misled, and of failing to properly manage conflicts of interest.
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