Eli Lilly in Shareholder Cross Hairs

-FDA News

02/11/2008 - While Eli Lilly's Zyprexa troubles with the federal government may be coming to an end, the company faces new legal problems with a recent lawsuit filed by two of the company's shareholders.

It has been reported that the company is in advanced settlement talks with federal investigators following last year's federal grand jury subpoena for documents related to its marketing for Zyprexa (olanzapine). The U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which began a civil investigation into Zyprexa's marketing in 2004, issued the subpoena.

Although the company will not confirm or deny reports of settlement talks, it acknowledged it faces a lawsuit from two shareholders who allege it used illegal marketing practices for Zyprexa, an atypical antipsychotic, and ignored the drug's risks.

The Jan. 17 lawsuit notes the company has paid $1.2 billion since September 2005 to settle claims that Zyprexa caused or contributed to diabetes or high blood-glucose levels.

If you are currently taking Zyprexa and have concerns about its safetly, you should consult with your doctor regarding your treatment options. Under no circumstances should you discontinue taking any medication, including Zyprexa, without first consulting with your doctor. For Zyprexa legal information contact the Zyprexa Attorneys of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. by filling out our free Zyrpexa case evaluation form or by calling the toll-free number listed below.