blogs created to prevent or detect a crime http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1997/ukpga_19970040_en_1

This blog is brougt to you consistent with subsection 3 of the Protection from Harassment Act - i.e. blogs created to prevent or detect a crime http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1997/ukpga_19970040_en_1



Thursday 20 January 2011

Epilepsy drug Epilim case withdrawn

Families drop case against epilepsy drug Epilim


Sodium valproate - or epilim - is taken to prevent seizures in the brain
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12242857


Legal aid lost in drug court case

Families who were pursuing a legal case against the makers of an epilepsy drug have dropped their action because legal aid was withdrawn.



Lawyers representing the families said they were "devastated" that the case would not be heard.



The company involved has always denied any wrong doing.



The Legal Services Commission said in November that it would no longer fund the action against Sanofi-Aventis.



Around 80 families claimed that the drug, sodium valproate - also known as epilim, caused a range of birth defects.



They have been pursing a legal action for damages against manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis.



The firm has denied their claims.



The families claim that in the 1990's there were inadequate warnings about possible harm that the drug could cause.



They say the drug caused spina bifida, damage to the heart, learning difficulties cleft palate and deformities of the hands and feet.



The company says it has always provided appropriate precautions and warnings on the risks associated with possible side-effects of the medicine.



Lawyers representing the families, Irwin Mitchell, has urged the Legal Services Commission to rethink its decision.



David Body, from the lawyers said: "We fully support our clients in their ongoing campaign to achieve compensation for the harm their children have suffered as a result of drug exposure."



The case has been in preparation for six years.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.