Animal tests approved faulty breast implants

29-01-2012

Scientific experts from Antidote Europe have contacted MHRA to explain the role animal testing has had in permitting faulty breast implants.

Faulty breast implants

 

In a letter addressed to the chief executive of the MHRA, the consumer watchdog Antidote Europe today accused the MHRA of failing in its mission to protect the public. The PIP breast implant health scare is a shocking example of regulatory failure on the part of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which is the government agency responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work, and are acceptably safe.

Says Andre Menache, Antidote Europe’s director, “Our regulators have let the public down on three counts. The first and most obvious, is the failure of their quality control review process, which allowed an industrial grade product to be implanted into tens of thousands of unsuspecting women; second, by relying on inconclusive animal tests when far more reliable methods are available; and third, the MHRA should have been far more cautious at a time when published scientific evidence warned about the adverse human health effects of such implants.”

Menache adds, “Silicone products are linked to cancer and to autoimmune diseases. People should think twice before putting silicone implants inside their bodies. Once the implant leaks the silicone can reach other parts of the body.”

Note to editors

Andre Menache is available for interview on 07906-446889

Antidote Europe is a not for profit NGO that promotes sound scientific methods of research and campaigns on issues of consumer safety www.antidote-europe.org