Pfizer tested unapproved drug on children: Report

Medical experts in Nigeria have faulted the Pfizer drug company for allegedly testing an unapproved drug on children, according to a local media report on Sunday.

Medical experts in Nigeria have faulted the Pfizer drug company for allegedly testing an unapproved drug on children, according to a local media report on Sunday. A Nigerian panel concluded that Pfizer Inc, the world's biggest drug company, violated international law during a 1996 epidemic by testing the drug on children with brain infections, The Washington Post reported.

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Five children died after being treated with the experimental antibiotic and others showed signs of arthritis; there is no evidence the drug played a part. Six children died while taking a comparison drug, the Post reported.

The panel said Pfizer's experiment was "an illegal trial of an unregistered drug" and a "clear case of exploitation of the ignorant."

Although attorneys and the media have requested the Nigerian government's confidential report, it has not been released for five years.

The Post obtained a copy from a source who requested anonymity because of personal safety worries.

Pfizer executives said in a statement that it would be "inappropriate for the company to respond to specific points in the document.