Saudi Arabia bans diabetes drug

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has banned GlaxoSmithKline's diabetes drug Avandia for six months, citing growing evidence from clinical studies indicating serious cardiovascular risks, Reuters has reported. The decision means detailing and advertising of Avandia is banned and patients on the drug will be referred to their doctor for consultation. A spokeswoman for Glaxo said the company 'stands behind the safety and efficacy of Avandia when it is used appropriately'. She said it would provide the SFDA with data from six clinical trials demonstrating the cardiovascular safety of the drug.