In the midst of what has already proven to be a financially catastrophic year for Takeda Pharmaceuticals, concern continues to fester while sales persist to plummet. In June, the Japanese based pharmaceutical company was forced to halt the sales of Actos in both France and Germany. Suspicion as to whether the long-suspected link between the popular diabetes medication and bladder cancer is justified or not, has caused the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to issue warnings regarding the elevated risk of Actos bladder cancer.
Actos, the world’s best-selling diabetes drug, gained the approval of the FDA in 1999, where it was to be sold as a medication intended for the treatment of symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes. Pioglitazone, the active ingredient found in Actos, resides in a group of popular drugs known as thiazolidinediones. It is because of pioglitazone that Actos demonstrates the ability to regulate blood sugar levels. This particular ingredient initiates a process that increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin, a natural occurring substance that assists in the regulation of blood sugar levels. In doing so, Actos may assist in the treatment of symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes.
However, recent evidence suggests that the mechanism regarding the association between Actos and bladder cancer may be directly related to the pharmacodynamics of pioglitazone. The recent warnings issued by the FDA and EMA have prompted doctors not to prescribe Actos to anyone who has or had bladder cancer. This action taken by healthcare officials may spell the end for a once-promising class of Type 2 diabetes drugs that debuted more than a decade ago. Due to the severity of bladder cancer, patients may contact an Actos lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential Actos lawsuit.
Despite a significant association to adverse cardiovascular events and other serious conditions, Actos became the No. 1 diabetes medication in the world after the only other drug in that class was found, in 2007, to significantly increase the risk of heart attack. Accordingly, Actos sales skyrocketed from about $2.9 billion in 2006 to more than $4.3 billion last year.
In recent weeks, the first of what lawyers predict will be thousands of lawsuits were filed against Takeda Pharmaceuticals in courts across the U.S. Each of which alleges that Actos was responsible for plaintiffs developing bladder cancer. A number of the cases, particularly the ones taking a strict Actos regimen for years, have fatal or catastrophic implications.
In a recent move to pursue litigation against Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Nancy Rios is blaming Actos for her 2009 diagnosis of recurrent bladder cancer. Following her second surgery to remove the malignant tumors plaguing her bladder, Rios fears the possibility of losing her bladder or even undergoing chemotherapy. Unfortunately, Nancy Rios is just one of many patients who are suffering from Takeda’s gross negligence regarding public safety. In the event that a manufacturer distributes a medication, they have a responsibility to ensure the public that their product is safe for use. In the case of Nancy Rios, and hundreds more, it appears that Takeda Pharmaceuticals failed to fulfill that fundamental duty.
In the wake of the recent onslaught of lawsuits filed against Takeda, the FDA reviewed data from the first five years of a 10-year Actos safety study Takeda begun in 2002 and ended in June of this year. The information revealed that risk of bladder cancer was 40 percent higher for patients taking Actos for the duration of a year. Due to the severity of bladder cancer, patients may contact an Actos lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential Actos lawsuit.
Do I Have an Actos Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Actos lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Actos, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.