House Dems want to repeal Michigan law that protects drug makers
April 9, 2005, 10:23 AM
http://www.freep.com/news/statewire/sw114170_20050409.htm
LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- State House Democrats want to allow residents hurt by a prescription medication to be able to sue drug makers for damages, something severely limited in Michigan.
Democrats are expected to announce Monday a three-bill package of legislation that would repeal the state's 1996 law that shields drug makers from liability if their product was approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
The legislation is retroactive, which would allow residents harmed by an FDA-approved drug since the old law took effect to file a lawsuit.
"When it comes to protecting consumers from the drug industry, we're dead last," House Democratic Leader Dianne Byrum of Onondaga said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press. "It is shameful that Michigan residents who have been harmed by prescription drugs have no recourse simply because they live in our state."
House Democrats said their bills are needed because of recent problems with drugs such as painkillers Vioxx and Bextra. Both drugs were pulled from the market after receiving FDA approval because of the possibility of serious and fatal side effects.
Democrats are expected to announce Monday a three-bill package of legislation that would repeal the state's 1996 law that shields drug makers from liability if their product was approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
The legislation is retroactive, which would allow residents harmed by an FDA-approved drug since the old law took effect to file a lawsuit.
"When it comes to protecting consumers from the drug industry, we're dead last," House Democratic Leader Dianne Byrum of Onondaga said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press. "It is shameful that Michigan residents who have been harmed by prescription drugs have no recourse simply because they live in our state."
House Democrats said their bills are needed because of recent problems with drugs such as painkillers Vioxx and Bextra. Both drugs were pulled from the market after receiving FDA approval because of the possibility of serious and fatal side effects.
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