Bush to Protect Drug Firms?

A medical malpractice bill that has passed the house but not the Senate has the support of President Bush. Bush has often praised the bill because it would stop the many frivolous lawsuits filed against doctors every year. What he doesn't often speak about are the provisions in the bill that would protect pharmaceutical companies.

Merck, the makers of Vioxx and Pfizer Inc. the maker of Celebrex would appear to be the two largest beneficiaries of this legislation. Vioxx was pulled from the market this past September and hundreds of Vioxx lawsuits have already been filed. Pfizer Inc. has not recalled Celebrex but has suspended all advertising. Several Celebrex lawsuits have been filed including one in Canada and one in Illinois.

Vioxx and Celebrex Lawsuits in Jeopardy

It is believed that both Merck and Pfizer would be shielded from punitive damages if this legislation becomes law. In fact, all pharmaceutical comapanies would be protected as long as they had met all FDA standards.

The exact extent of the protection allowed is not known however the position of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America is perfectly clear. Their president, Todd A. Smith said,

"President Bush unashamedly advocates legislation that would protect insurance industry profits and prohibit any punishment for the makers of dangerous drugs like Vioxx."

For more information see Vioxx Lawsuits