US Jury Orders Takeda and Eli Lilly To Pay A Total Of $9 Billion

Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly were ordered by a Lafayette, LA  jury to pay a total of $9 billion in punitive damages after the jury found them guilty of hiding the cancer risks associated with their Actos diabetes drug. Several other lawsuits in the U.S. that targeted the companies have already failed, including suits in California and Maryland. In the Louisiana ruling, Takeda was ordered to pay $6 billion and Eli Lilly was ordered to pay $3 billion. Based on an agreement signed by the two companies, Takeda might be forced to pay the entire final judgment. Industry experts expect the $9 billion number to be reduced, as the U.S. Supreme Court has stated that punitive verdicts must be proportional to the damages.

“I hope Takeda executives in Japan heard what this jury had to say loudly and clearly,” Mark Lanier, a lawyer for former Actos user Terrence Allen.

Both Takeda and Eli Lilly have stated that they will appeal the verdict, and that they disagree with the outcome. “Takeda respectfully disagrees with the verdict and we intend to vigorously challenge this outcome through all available legal means, including possible post-trial motions and an appeal,” said Kenneth Greisman, general counsel for Takeda’s U.S. operations. “We also believe we demonstrated that Takeda acted responsibly with regard to Actos.”

Candace Johnson, Eli Lilly’s spokeswoman, echoed the sentiments. “While we have empathy for the plaintiff, we believe the evidence did not support claims that Actos caused his bladder cancer,” she said. “We intend to vigorously challenge this outcome through all available legal means, including possible post-trial motions and an appeal.”