Federal Court Begins the Selection Process for Initial Avandia Suits

March 29, 2012 (Press-News.org) A federal district court judge recently indicated that her court is preparing to schedule for trial almost one hundred cases involving the diabetes drug Avandia. The lawsuits revolve around allegations that the use of Avandia - manufactured by drug-maker GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) - can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks.

Problems Associated with Avandia Use

Avandia, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, gained FDA approval in 1999. The active ingredient in Avandia makes the body more sensitive to insulin, resulting in reduced blood sugar levels. However, as early as May 2007, The New England Journal of Medicine published research that pointed to an almost 43 percent increase in the chance of heart attacks for individuals who used Avandia.

Following the publication of this study, internal reports showed that Avandia maker GlaxoSmithKline was potentially aware of the risks but did nothing to warn patients of the possible side effects of Avandia. The FDA has now required GSK to list the cardiovascular side effects on the label of the drug to ensure patients are aware of the risks. Tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed, but Avandia is still on the market.

Avandia Order

Recently, the Honorable Christine Rufe - who is the judge assigned to the Avandia cases in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania - challenged the parties to settle 85 percent of their litigant's claims in 75 days. As a result of this, around 25,000 multi-district lawsuits were resolved through the mediation process. But a recent statement from Judge Rufe shows that mediation will no longer be the focus of the court. The remaining cases will be set for trial - starting with around a hundred of the oldest heart attack cases.

In a March 19 court order, Judge Rufe directed the attorneys of the roughly one hundred plaintiffs selected to provide Plaintiffs' Coordinating Counsel with the names of their clients who are claiming to have suffered heart attacks attributed to their Avandia use, along with a summary of their cases. Judge Rufe further ordered the Plaintiffs' Coordinating Counsel to then confer with GSK to compile a list of agreed-upon heart attack cases - the court will then select cases for trial from this pool.

If you or a loved one has suffered an adverse side effect you believe is a result of Avandia use, it is important to contact an experienced Avandia attorney to be advised of your rights and options.

Article provided by Aaron M. Levine & Associates
Visit us at www.aaronlevinelaw.com