In a conference call late Monday, Eli Lilly & Co. and Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. indicated that they have notified the FDA about four more deaths from pancreatitis among users of their diabetes drug Byetta. These four cases are in addition to two other Byetta pancreatitis deaths the FDA referenced in a notice to healthcare providers issued last week. Continued
News
Motion to Consolidate Total Body Formula Lawsuits to be Argued Next Month
Plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits alleging injuries from Total Body Formula and Total Body Mega Formula, have filed a motion seeking consolidation and centralization of all federal cases in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation will hear arguments on the petition next month at Harvard Law School. Continued
FDA Informs Doctors about Reports of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
The FDA has issued a notice to healthcare providers with information about two new reports of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain disease, which have occurred among two patients in Europe who were receiving the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri. Continued
FDA Reviewing New MRI Contrast Agent as Alternative to Gadolinium
The FDA has granted a Fast Track Designation to a new type of MRI contrast agent, ferumoxytol, which could be a safer alternative to gadolinium-based contrast agents for individuals with chronic kidney problems. Continued
Morgan Keegan Arbitration Award for Over 75% of Mutual Fund Losses
In what is believed to be the first Morgan Keegan arbitration award for losses associated with the crash of the subprime mortgage market last year, an individual investor will recover over 75% of his claimed mutual fund losses. Continued
Extendicare Nursing Home Class Action Lawsuit Filed in Washington
On Friday, a nursing home class action lawsuit was filed against Extendicare Homes, Inc. and their nursing homes in the state of Washington, on behalf of all individuals who resided at one of the facilities between July 1, 2004 and July 1, 2008. The nursing home class action alleges that the facilities provided inferior care and violated the rights of residents. Continued
Hot Pocket Recall: Pieces of Plastic in Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pockets
Nestle Prepared foods Company has issued a Hot Pocket recall for over 200,000 pounds of stuffed, frozen Hot Pocket Pepperoni Pizza sandwich products. This follows a similar Lean Pocket recall issued last month by Nestle for frozen Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pockets. Continued
FDA Investigating Link between Vytorin and Cancer
The FDA released an early communication yesterday, about an investigation into the possible association between cancer and Vytorin, Zetia and Zocor. Continued
Byetta Lawsuit Filed For Pancreatitis
A diabetic patient who developed pancreatitis as a side effect of Byetta has filed a lawsuit in a California state court. This is reportedly the first Byetta lawsuit to be filed in the United States involving pancreatitis. Continued
