The Rise of Statins
Dr Maryanne Demasi, Medical Scientist
Dr. Maryanne Demasi is a former medical scientist who completed her PhD in Medicine at the University of Adelaide. Her research focused on the pathology of Rheumatoid arthritis and potential therapies. Her innovative research has appeared in several internationally published medical journals.
Leaving her lab coat behind, Maryanne accepted a position as a political advisor and speechwriter for the South Australian Minister for Science and Information technology portfolios. She advised on issues concerning Intellectual Property and commercialisation of research.
Maryanne was headhunted by the ABC ‘s Catalyst program in 2006 and gained a reputation for reporting on relevant and sometimes controversial medical stories. She has won numerous accolades for her work and in 2008, 2009 and 2011 was awarded the National Press Club of Australia’s prize for her excellence in health journalism.
Dr. Demasi points out research shows only a 1.1% risk reduction with statins compared to placebo. It is important to know these statistics when weighing the side effects of statins.
Key Contents
0:00 Introduction
2:01 Statin Wars: The Rise of Statins
9:06 Statin Wars: Data Secrecy & Contestability of Science
10:18 Statin Wars: Lack of Transparency
15:19 Statin Wars: Exaggerating Statistics
17:40 Statin Wars: Silence the Dissenters
20:14 Statin Wars: Scare Campaign – Australia
