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Is Takeda Being Sued?

Published in Pharmaceutical Litigation 2 mins read

Yes, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company is currently facing a significant class-action lawsuit.

A California Federal Judge has certified a major class-action case against Takeda, accusing the pharmaceutical company, alongside another industry peer, of racketeering. The lawsuit alleges that these companies marketed a specific diabetes drug without disclosing its full risk profile, particularly concerning a serious health condition.

Key Allegations and Legal Context

The core of the lawsuit centers on the diabetes medication Actos (generic name: pioglitazone). It is alleged that Takeda, in collaboration with Eli Lilly, marketed this drug without adequately informing patients and healthcare providers about its potential link to bladder cancer. The accusation of "racketeering" implies a pattern of illegal activity conducted for financial gain, specifically through deceptive marketing practices and a failure to disclose critical safety information to the public.

The certification of this case as a class-action means that a large group of individuals who believe they were harmed by the alleged actions can pursue legal remedies together. This streamlines the litigation process, allowing collective representation for those impacted by the alleged undisclosed risks associated with Actos.

Overview of the Lawsuit

This legal challenge highlights the ongoing scrutiny pharmaceutical companies face regarding drug safety and transparency in marketing. Cases like this underscore the importance of comprehensive disclosure of potential side effects and risks associated with medications.

Here's a summary of the key aspects of the lawsuit:

  • Parties Involved: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company and Eli Lilly.
  • Drug at the Center: Actos (pioglitazone), a medication prescribed for diabetes.
  • Primary Accusation: Racketeering, stemming from allegations of deceptive marketing practices.
  • Undisclosed Risk: Alleged failure to disclose the potential risk of bladder cancer associated with Actos.
  • Legal Status: Certified as a class-action case by a California Federal Judge, allowing it to proceed with a collective group of plaintiffs.

Summary of the Lawsuit Details

To provide a clear overview, here are the essential details of the class-action lawsuit against Takeda:

Aspect Details
Companies Sued Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Eli Lilly
Medication Involved Actos (pioglitazone)
Type of Lawsuit Class-action, alleging racketeering
Core Allegation Marketing the diabetes drug without disclosing its risk of bladder cancer
Current Status Certified for class-action by a California Federal Judge

This legal action is a significant development in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on accountability for drug safety disclosures.