The Mediator scandal in France not only disgusted the nation but revealed just how the system can go wrong. Medical expert independence is essential to ensure drug security. Conflicts of interest are many and often kept secret. The pharmaceutical companies who finance research, specialised media and professional training, are often accused. But what is the truth ? Victims, doctors and government health officials have now been heard. Many disturbing revelations have come to light under the transparency laws. This is an exceptional investigative report.

The affair of the Mediator revealed in a tragic way the drift and the dysfunctions of the market of the medicine in France. Nevertheless in a country where 9 consultations on 10 end in prescriptions (that is twice more than in the Netherlands) the question has its importance. This very steady consumption of medicines contributed to make the strength of the French pharmaceutical companies which saw their profits multiplied by 5 in 20 years. This financial power allowed them to weave networks and extremely powerful lobbies at the risk of colliding with alarming conflicts of interests.