Despite a number of setbacks, a 39-year-old man is to continue his campaign for the withdrawal of a controversial acne drug from the market in Ireland.

IRISH litigants in legal actions against a pharmaceutical giant are likely to watch with interest an American case over the safety of one of the world’s most popular drugs used in the treatment of severe acne.

AT least five medications now sold to consumers pose such risks that their sale should be limited or stopped, said a government drug reviewer who raised questions earlier about the arthritis drug Vioxx.

UP to 40 Irish people are planning to sue a Swiss pharmaceutical firm, claiming the company’s anti-acne drug has caused psychiatric disorders such as depression and suicide.