Glaxo to be grilled
A US $131 million-suit has been slapped on pharmaceutical giant Glaxo by 400 former patients. They claim that between 1944 and 1987, Myodil, a medical dye used in spinal x-rays, caused severe side effects like damaged nerve roots, acute pain and even partial paralysis. They also allege that Glaxo did not issue adequate contraindications. Vehemently denying the charges, Glaxo says possible risks were highlighted in product leaflets.
The case, which comes up for hearing in the London High Court in April 1995, is the first uk group action for personal injury against a drug company to come up for trial.