Publications
Publications
- January 2006 (Revised July 2006)
- HBS Case Collection
Drug Testing in Nigeria (A)
By: Debora L. Spar
Abstract
In 1996, a meningitis epidemic swept across Nigeria. Thousands of children were struck and, lacking appropriate medicine, were liable to die from the disease. Doctors at Pfizer had an antibiotic that could probably save most of these children's lives. The drug was new, however, and had not yet undergone clinical trials with children. The company must decide whether to use the Nigerian outbreak as the site for a new and potentially risky trial.
Keywords
Risk and Uncertainty; Health Pandemics; Health Testing and Trials; Developing Countries and Economies; Pharmaceutical Industry; Nigeria
Citation
Spar, Debora L., and Adam Day. "Drug Testing in Nigeria (A)." Harvard Business School Case 706-033, January 2006. (Revised July 2006.)