First Avandia Case Settled by GlaxoSmithKline
In February 2010, Avandia made headlines due to the uncovering of confidential government reports where doctors from the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that “Rosiglitazone [Avandia] should be removed from the market.” Avandia is a popular drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes, and has been linked to a higher risk of heart attack and heart failure than any other diabetes drug
Recently, the Wall Street Journal reported that the first Avandia case brought to trial in the U.S. over the increased risks associated with the drug has settled. Details have not been given for the settlement yet, as the terms remain confidential. . GlaxoSmithKline, Avandia’s manufacturer, are schedule for another trial over Avandia in October 2010, and the multi-district Avandia litigation is still pending in federal court.
The FDA is also evaluating Avandia’s safety profile next month. It is possible that the drug will be pulled from the market due to its risks.
Interestingly, Germany's Federal Joint Committee of doctors and health insurers has recommended that insurers stop paying for GlaxoSmithKline's Avandia because of the risk of heart problems and bone fractures.