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Connecticut suing Lilly over Zyprexa

Pharma Compliance Alert, March 19, 2008

Eli Lilly, currently defending itself against a lawsuit in Alaska over Zyprexa marketing, faces yet another legal challenge, this time in Connecticut.

Connecticut became the 10th state to file suit against Lilly, which is also in talks with the federal government to resolve allegations about Zyprexa. The Connecticut suit alleges Lilly illegally marketed Zyprexa and concealed its serious side effects. The state seeks to recover $190 million it spent on Zyprexa, plus millions of dollars it spent on treating the side effects of the drug.

Zyprexa is an antipsychotic drug approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar mania. According to the lawsuit, Lilly illegally marketed the drug for off-label uses, including use in children suffering from depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and sleep disorders.

The suit also alleges Lilly concealed the side effects of Zyprexa, including diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and significant weight gain.

In a statement, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal accused Lilly of adopting "a sick marketing mindset: profits over patients, sales over safety. Driven by fierce greed, Eli Lilly corrupted doctors, pharmacies, and public officials nationwide who easily abandoned integrity and decency for self-enrichment."

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