Local firm sues drugmakers over disclosure:

  • Comments
  • Print
Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
This audio file is brought to you by
0:00
0:00
Loading audio file, please wait.
  • 0.25
  • 0.50
  • 0.75
  • 1.00
  • 1.25
  • 1.50
  • 1.75
  • 2.00

An Indianapolis law firm is the latest in the nation to bring a lawsuit against the makers of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs.

Price Waicukauski Riley & DeBrota LLC filed a suit July 27 in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis on behalf of 21 trade unions in Indiana and surrounding states against the maker and marketers of Celebrex: Pfizer Inc., Pharmacia Corp. and G.D. Searle & Co.

Celebrex, like Merck and Co.’s Vioxx, is alleged to pose a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. Merck pulled Vioxx from the market.

The Indianapolis suit alleges that medical risks of Celebrex were not adequately disclosed and that Pfizer wrongly touted its efficacy against gastrointestinal complications.

“Billions of dollars have thus been wasted because plaintiffs and class members have paid a premium price for a drug that is not a premium or superior product,” the complaint said.

Pfizer recently revised its labeling to warn of cardiovascular risks, following a U.S. Food and Drug Administration request.

Plaintiffs in Indianapolis include Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 Welfare and Benefit Fund and Indiana Electrical Workers Benefit Trust.

Please enable JavaScript to view this content.

Editor's note: You can comment on IBJ stories by signing in to your IBJ account. If you have not registered, please sign up for a free account now. Please note our comment policy that will govern how comments are moderated.

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In