"Following the publication of a US study into birth defects, HFEA's scientific and clinical advances committee reviewed our guidance and advice about the risks of treatment, " he said.

BBC: New guidance on IVF defects risk

They reviewed published clinical trial data, and unpublished data secured under Freedom of Information legislation.

BBC: RELATED BBC SITES

O'Dell's form of therapy--intensive sensory and motor-skills training to help the brain build and strengthen neural pathways--has never been subjected to an unbiased clinical trial or peer-reviewed by a medical journal.

FORBES: New Hope For Autism

In total, the Hull team, who published their findings in the journal PLoS Medicine, reviewed data on 47 clinical trials.

BBC: RELATED BBC SITES

The FDA reviewed data that included a clinical study of 30 study participants with RP who received the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System.

FORBES: FDA Approves First Bionic Eye

She reviewed their most recent laboratory results, clinical notes, and medication changes in the electronic record.

NEWYORKER: Big Med

Dr Vicky Pleydell, from Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group, said the research would be reviewed and a formal consultation would take place if any major change was recommended.

BBC: Report 'backs' fight to retain Friarage Hospital services

So far little clinical trial data for either drug have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, making it hard to evaluate the drugmakers' claims.

FORBES: Fat City

To be sure, though parts of their hypothesis have been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, their theory hasn't gone through rigorous clinical studies.

FORBES: Rethinking Biology

If that was not forthcoming the clinical or medical director of the candidate's hospital would be consulted, and all the evidence would be reviewed at a specially convened panel.

BBC: Top doctors 'not ready for posts'