— Scientists argue for increased openness by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in a BMJ commentary published yesterday. The authors write that secrecy over trial data, such as that submitted for the flu drug oseltamivir (better known as Tamiflu), “implies undue exploitation of the rights of doctors and patients participating in the studies,” and the data should be made public for outside analysis. (ScienceDaily)

— Amphastar Pharmaceuticals took a controversial approach toward ensuring one of its products would be approved: The company reportedly hired a private investigator to follow Janet Woodcock, director of the US Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Believing she had conflicts of interest against their drug, Amphastar pursued Woodcock’s phone records and other public documents. In February, an FDA legal counsel said that Woodcock had no conflict of interest. (Pharmalot)

— The synthetic estrogen drug Raloxifene might help treat schizophrenia, according to preliminary research. A dosage study found that the drug, which is currently used for osteoporosis, significantly sped up recovery from schizophrenia symptoms among postmenopausal women. (ScienceDaily)

— Ronald McDonald might need a Happy Meal to improve his mood. A watchdog group, Corporate Accountability International (CAI), is asking McDonalds to retire the clown because he promotes unhealthy eating among children. Drawing on another famous mascot, CAI called Ronald a “deep-fried Joe Camel for [the] 21st century.” (CNN)

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