Hospitals gave us 2,500 glands, admits drug firm

THE organ retention controversy continued last night after the second company named as using pituitary glands from dead children for drug manufacturing said it was supplied by a large number of Irish hospitals.

Up to yesterday just one hospital admitted supplying Danish company Novo Nordisk with glands taken from deceased patients but the firm said last night it had more than 30 suppliers.

It is understood to have received 2,500 glands taken from deceased Irish patients without their families' consent over a 10-year period in the 1970s and 1980 and to have paid the hospitals for the service.