I don't know where the women are going to go to get answers now. Information alleging Tugwell's involvement with Bristol-Myers Squibb was discovered after the doctor gave depositions in February and April, Gordon says. The motion also says Tugwell wrote recommendations for another doctor who conducted an industry-funded silicone breast implant study that was favorable to the manufacturers' position. One of the conditions for appointment to the federal panel was full disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest. Bristol-Myers Squibb was a major supplier of breast implants prior to 1992, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration imposed a moratorium on general sales of silicone implants.
Most implants now used are saline encased in silicone.
Another panel of experts, appointed by the Institute of Medicine at the request of the National Institutes of Health, started deliberations last December on the question of silicone breast implants and disease. Medical Correspondent Rhonda Rowland , The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. Pages will open in a new browser window External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.