Disturbing findings suggest that the diabetes drug Januvia may lead to pancreatic cancer, according to a study conducted by Dr. Peter C. Butler—chief of the endocrinology division at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Butler made this discovery in 2008, in a test commissioned by the pharmaceutical company Merck. Since then, he has become one of the few voices in the medical industry speaking out against Januvia and other drugs in its class.
In a story picked up by the New York Times, Dr. Butler’s work finally caught the attention of the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency, which recently launched new studies. There remains a long road ahead for Dr. Butler and those who support his work. Several leading diabetes specialists, as well as the powerful agencies that profit from the lucrative drug, continue to insist Januvia is safe—or at least that its risk factor is negligibly low.
Despite this opposition, the former editor of Diabetes magazine refuses to give up. Dr. Butler’s battle is reminiscent of a similar crusade: In 2007, Dr. Steven Nissen warned that the diabetes drug Avandia may cause cardiovascular complications in those using it. After enduring harsh criticism for his work, Dr. Nissen’s efforts finally led to the drug’s proscription in Europe and severe restriction in the United States. It was years before the FDA admitted the danger of Avandia and took action. The drug company GlaxoSmithKline settled thousands of Avandia lawsuits in 2011, compensating plaintiffs between $46,000and $70,000 on average.
Our firm of California lawyers has years of combined experience in representing those who have been hurt by questionable medications. Tom Moore—the head of our personal injury and drug liability practices—is a nationally-recognized attorney who represented the nation’s most powerful pharmaceutical companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, for over 20 years. If you or a loved one has been compromised by an over-the-counter or prescription medication such as Januvia, you deserve the representation of a personal injury attorney with this type of experience. To discuss a Januvia pancreatic cancer lawsuit or similar defective drug case, contact The Senators Firm today.