Pharmaceutical and Medical Device

CaseyGerry partner Frederick Schenk discusses Zantac-Cancer litigation in this webinar hosted by the San Diego County Bar Association – Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS).

Following years of scrutiny by regulators and mounting lawsuits, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is strengthening requirements for surgical mesh devices designed to repair a condition called pelvic organ prolapse (POP). 

In more news related to the $35 billion dietary supplement industry, Oregon’s Attorney General recently filed suit against General Nutrition Corp (GNC) – a national retailer of nutritional products – alleging that the chain knowingly sold supplements laced with unmarked, illegal ingredients.

Despite repeated warnings and recalls, Americans spend a whopping $14 billon a year on dietary supplements – up from $8 billion just four years ago – to treat a diversity of ailments, including colds, arthritis and immune system problems, as well as to promote weight loss.

A new diabetes drug may cause a serious medical condition which raises the level of acid in the blood. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that Invokana may lead to ketoacidosis, a health condition where the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones, causing a severe accumulation of keto acids and decreasing PH of the blood.

A jury decision last month once again shines a light directly on Takeda Pharmaceutical Company’s controversial diabetes drug, Actos. The jury awarded a retired Pennsylvania teacher with bladder cancer $1.3 million in punitive damages on top of $2.3 million in actual damages, saying Takeda acted with reckless indifference to his health.

Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age – yet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now cautions that there is no evidence that taking testosterone is safe or effective for men experiencing those natural changes, and has required warning labels for the popular drugs.

Scientific studies indicate Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone) contributed to the development of malignant bladder tumors, according to a Columbia University researcher who testified on behalf of a plaintiff who allegedly developed cancer after three years of taking the controversial diabetes medication.