Biotech softens its line

The first signs of a peaceful settlement to the bitter row between British Biotech and its former head of clinical trials, Dr Andrew Millar, emerged last night, writes Terry Macalister.

Dr Millar said he would be willing to stop making public statements about the company after British Biotech indicated it would drop its legal action against him if he did so.

Dr Millar said: "I have said all I have to say about the company. I would be happy to talk to (chief executive) Dr McCullagh if he called me up.

"But sending me a writ for damages is a strange way to negotiate."

Dr McCullagh, commenting for the first time about a writ for damages served against Millar last Friday, said it was possible there could be an out of court settlement.