Nigerian court adjourns Pfizer case

A court in Nigeria has adjourned a civil case brought by the northern state of Kano against US drug manufacturer Pfizer. The Kano state government is seeking 1.5 billion euros in compensation from Pfizer, which it accuses of harming children by testing an unapproved drug on them. The case will now be heard in October after state lawyers asked for more time to study a defence statement. Kano state has also filed separate criminal charges, while federal government criminal and civil cases are also pending.

The antibiotic Trovan was tested on 200 children during a meningitis outbreak in 1996. 11 died and many were left with long-term health problems. Pfizer has steadfastly denied the allegations and says the tests were carried out ethically and with the full knowledge of the government.

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