AN Irish father who believes his son took his own life as a result of taking the drug Roaccutane has welcomed a decision by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to hand over information on adverse reactions to the anti-acne medicine from across the EU.

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.

EU medical authorities have been sharply criticised by the European Ombudsman over their refusal to give access to an Irish citizen who sought information on adverse reactions to the controversial anti-acne drug, Roaccutane.

Roscommon 0-08 NUIG 1-05, Kiltoom

THE Supreme Court has rejected a bid by a pharmaceutical group to stop a father bringing a case against it alleging wrongful death following the suicide of his 20-year-old son.

A WATERFORD-BASED charity which has spent 10 years helping children in a part of Belarus affected by the Chernobyl accident is preparing to send a group of up to 70 professionals to help renovate an orphanage.

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.