Actos® – a diabetes medication and one of the best selling drugs in the U.S. – has been associated with a significant increase in the risk for cancer. Throughout the country, numerous patients and families have pursued legal recourse for damages caused by the medication. Recently, a federal jury ordered Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. and Eli Lily & Co – manufacturers of the drug – to pay a combined $9 billion in punitive damages for hiding cancer risks ($3 billion for Eli Lily, Takeda’s partner, and $6 billion for Takeda).
The trial was the first of its kind and resulted in the seventh-largest jury award in U.S. history. It is also the largest single award for a case involving a drugmaker’s mishandling of products. However, experts state that the award will likely be reduced because punitive damages – which are penalties for bad conduct – must be proportional to awards for compensatory damages. In some cases, punitive awards may amount to ten times a compensatory award. Officials from Takeda have stated their intent to appeal the verdict.
The case stems from allegations that Takeda marketed Actos despite knowing that it substantially increased the risk for cancer. The company also failed to adequately warn physicians and consumers about the risks. Such conduct is common among pharmaceutical corporations, which often demonstrate a focus on placing profits over people.
At The Senators (Ret.) Firm, our California defective drug attorneys represent victims and families who have suffered damages after using unsafe medications. Pharmaceutical companies have a legal obligation to ensure that their products are safe, and they can be held liable for the damages their drugs cause.
If you or someone you know has been harmed by Actos or any other medication, call (949) 557-5800 for a FREE consultation.