Avandia manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), has agreed to settle more than 20,000 pharmaceutical and drug injury cases on behalf of patients claiming the drug causes heart attacks. Avandia was once the world’s best-selling diabetes pill, generating $3 billion in annual sales, but was withdrawn from the market in Europe and firmly regulated in the U.S. because of studies linking the drug to increased risks of heart attacks. Personal injury attorneys brought over 15,000 pharmaceutical and drug injury cases last year involving patients’ claims that Avandia caused heart attacks and strokes, all of which GSK agreed to settle. The company will spend at least $700 million to settle those claims. In addition, GSK has also agreed to pay $3 billion to resolve government claims that it illegally marketed Avandia and other drugs.
Personal Injury Attorneys: GSK Accused of Hiding Safety Information, Must Settle Pharmaceutical and Drug Injury Cases
Federal prosecutors have investigated whether the company promoted nine of their drugs for unapproved uses and attempted to silence critics of the drug. In 2007, a university professor reported that GSK officials pressured him to stop raising questions about the safety of Avandia when it came on the market in 1999.
More than 2,500 Avandia pharmaceutical and drug injury cases have been consolidated in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia. The judge has appointed a mediator to attempt to resolve the remaining cases. At least 85 percent of the remaining cases must by settled before a 75-day deadline previously set by the judge, or the cases will be scheduled for trial. So far, no Avandia cases have been considered by a jury.
New Jersey and Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys
The Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases involving pharmaceutical and drug product injuries. Our extremely skilled team of personal injury attorneys and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you have been injured by a pharmaceutical drug, a negligent medical provider, or have endured any other type of personal injury, contact the personal injury attorneys of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.
