Panel Faults Pfizer in '96 Clinical Trial In Nigeria

Unapproved Drug Tested on Children

By Joe Stephens
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, May 7, 2006; A01

A panel of Nigerian medical experts has concluded that Pfizer Inc. violated international law during a 1996 epidemic by testing an unapproved drug on children with brain infections at a field hospital.

That finding is detailed in a lengthy Nigerian government report that has remained unreleased for five years, despite inquiries from the children's attorneys and from the media. The Washington Post recently obtained a copy of the confidential report, which is attracting congressional interest. It was provided by a source who asked to remain anonymous because of personal safety concerns.