Independent statins review panel report

The independent panel of internationally renowned experts asked by The BMJ to review its handling of two articles that contained the same error has reported its findings, and were unanimous in their decision that the two papers do not meet any of the criteria for retraction, endorsing The BMJ approach.

After a two-month review, the panel has advised The BMJ that its handling of the two articles was appropriate and that its processes were timely and reasonable.

They have made some recommendations to strengthen our processes, and we will address those. They have also called for the the individual patient data to be made available for independent scrutiny. Patients and their doctors need access to all relevant information to make informed decisions about their health.

The Report

Report of the independent panel considering the retraction of two BMJ papers

Supporting documentation

SP5 Pre publication history for Abramson et al

SP7 and SP8 Post-publication correspondence between The BMJ, Fiona Godlee and Abramson

SP9 Pre-publication history for Malhotra et al

SP9a Attachment to email dated 17 October at 17.34 hrs

SP11 and SP12 Post publication correspondence between The BMJ, Fiona Godlee and Malhotra

SP13 Emails between Rory Collins and Fiona Godlee

SP14 Statins timeline for publication

SP15 Note from Rory Collins for the panel considering the retraction of Abramson and Malhotra papers

SP16 Supplement to note from Rory Collins for the panel considering retraction

SP16a BMJ slides 021213 with notes added subsequently

SP16b Abramson October 2013 with comments final from Collins

SP16c Malhotra October 2013 with comments final from Collins

SP17 Letter 1 from Rory Collins to FG dated 31 March Not for Publication

SP18 Letter 2 from Rory Collins to FG dated 14 April Not for Publication

SP19 Letter 3 from Rory Collins to FG 25 April

SP20 Letter 4 from Rory Collins to FG 28 April Not for Publication

SP21 CTSU grants May 2014

SP22 Initial response to BMJ panel May 20 2014 Abramson et al

SP23 Response to BMJ panel by Abramson et al (June 7, 2014) FINAL

SP24 Response from Malhotra to Rory Collins submission

SP25 Submissions to Panel from 13 individuals or groups

SP26 Declarations of interest by the authors of submissions

SP27 List of documents accompanying the report

SP28 Declarations of interests of panel members

SP30 Proforma for Statistical review of Abramson et al

SP31 Statistical report on Abramson by Stephen Evans

SP32 Statistical report on Abramson et al by Carol Coupland