University Spends Big Bucks To Lock Down Data
The University behind the PACE trial is fighting hard to ensure that no one gets a look at the raw data of the PACE trial.
ME Action revealed that the Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has spent over $300,000 (250,000 pounds) on responding to the request for the release of the raw data of the PACE trial.
It's no surprise. The imbroglio over the huge trial has already left the University in hot water both with patients and researchers. Earlier this year 42 researchers asked that
Lancet do an independent analysis of the data. Several statisticians have publicly blasted the study. Over 12,000 patients have signed a petition blasting the trial.
MEAction reported that Mr. Alem Matthees was willing to reanalyze the data at no cost to QMUL. When QMUL refused, Matthees took the matter to the UK Information Commissioner which granted his request. QMUL has spent over $300,000 appealing that request. A ruling on the appeal is expected soon.
Find out more here.
The changes to the published trial protocol are just one of many problems associated with the trial. Determining that changes significantly bolstered the success of the trial would undercut PACE trial authors assertion that they were done for other reasons, and provide a wedge issue that could put more pressure on Lancet to to revisit this issue. Plus, once the data is out it is presumably out and subject to review by other statisticians....
