Settlement Reached in Baycol Lawsuit, 30 States Awarded

By Jennifer Griffith

Published on February 02, 2007

Baycol is a cholesterol-reducing drug that was introduced in the U.S. in 1998. Bayer withdrew Baycol from the market in 2001.

The suit alleged that Bayer learned of the increased risks associated with Baycol after the drug went on the market. The risks include severe muscle reaction that can caused kidney failure and death. Bayer put out reports to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about these risks between March and May of 1998; however, the states claimed the company did not sufficiently warn consumers and doctors.

Although Bayer agreed to settle out of court, the company admitted no wrongdoing. According to the settlement, Bayer must pay the 30 states $8 million for future consumer protection and drug enforcement programs as well as register clinical drug studies and post the results online.

The settlement was awarded to Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

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