AstraZeneca Agrees to a $425 Million Settlement Over Heartburn Medications: What You Need to Know

AstraZeneca, a global pharmaceutical giant, has agreed to pay a staggering $425 million to settle a multitude of lawsuits. These lawsuits were filed on behalf of consumers who claimed to have suffered kidney injuries after using AstraZeneca's popular heartburn medications, Nexium and Prilosec.

The Official Statement

While the specific terms of the settlement remain confidential, AstraZeneca has confirmed that this agreement effectively puts to rest the product liability claims currently in the pipeline. However, it's worth noting that one case still remains pending in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.

No Admission of Wrongdoing

In a strategic move that sidesteps admitting any fault, AstraZeneca stated that the claims "are without merit." The company has not admitted to any wrongdoing as part of this settlement agreement.

The Upside for AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca emphasized the benefit of avoiding "continued costly litigation," stating that the settlement allows the company to refocus on its core mission: "delivering life-changing medicines to millions of patients around the world."

The Plaintiffs' Perspective

The legal teams representing the plaintiffs, Seeger Weiss LLP and Douglas & London P.C., have announced that this settlement will resolve approximately 11,000 claims against AstraZeneca. The lawsuits had alleged that Nexium and Prilosec could cause kidney injuries, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease and, in severe cases, end-stage renal disease. The plaintiffs also accused the companies of failing to adequately research and disclose the risks associated with these proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) medications.

Ongoing Litigation Against Other Companies

It's important to note that the plaintiffs have not yet reached a settlement with Takeda Pharmaceuticals, another major producer of PPI drugs like Prevacid and Dexilant. Legal action against Takeda will continue.

Key Takeaways

1. AstraZeneca will pay $425 million to settle claims but admits no wrongdoing.

2. The settlement will resolve about 11,000 pending claims.

3. Legal action continues against Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

4. This settlement follows earlier agreements totaling $108.5 million with other pharmaceutical companies.

Legal Representation

If you have chronic kidney disease and believe that your use of PPIs like Prilosec and Prevacid, you can Google "ppi chronic kidney disease legal representation" and see a number of law firms that you can contact.

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Reference

AstraZeneca to pay $425 million to settle lawsuits over heartburn drugs

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‍About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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