Disturbingly, a major part of the infected blood scandal arises out of unethical medical studies. Haemophiliacs were subject, en masse, without their knowledge or consent, to Hepatitis C and HIV infectivity experiments through Factor VIII blood products.

These experiments were carried out and promoted by those who were aware that the products were infected. This chronology outlines some of the highly unethical research.

These practices breached the Nuremberg Code.

Unethical Studies

1st Sep 1975

Dr Craske sets up a Factor VIII Hepatitis Study (HBsFVIII Study)

19th October 1976

Knowing Factor VIII recipients are “consistently” being infected with Hepatitis, Dr Craske plans another Factor VIII Hepatitis study

17th December 1976

Dr Craske says he will lobby haemophilia centre directors to take part in a Factor VIII Hepatitis study

13th January 1977

Dr Craske presents Hepatitis data to Haemophilia Centre Directors. Craske says "he would like to continue"... "to study the incidence of chronic sequelae, and a comparison of jaundice associated with NHS Factor VIII and commercial products"

28th January 1977

Dr Craske says Haemophilia Directors approved "a further study of the incidence of hepatitis" (Lister Study) following Factor VIII. A number of centres have already signed up to take part.

30th May 1977

Dr Craske reports on the HemofilV1 study: "The study had involved 26 Haemophilia Centres and the finding showed that of 371 haemophiliacs 66 had one or more attacks of Hepatitis. The incidence of infection by Hemofil was very high… He asked Directors if they would co-operate in extending his survey”

22nd September 1977

Dr Craske’s studies show many batches of Factor VIII are infecting people with Hepatitis C.

He proposes more infectivity studies.

30th January 1978

Dr Craske writes to the UK blood products laboratory director, saying he plans to apply to the department of health to carry out more hepatitis Factor VIII studies.

20th February 1978

Blood Products Lab Director warns Dr Craske about his Hepatitis studies: “Too close investigation of these patients might suggest…they had been negligently treated…and that a claim for compensation might be in order" …"it may be undesirable to be seen to be giving emphasis to this complication"