Michelle Shocked.
Jury selection for one of the biggest civil trials ever in Alaska is now under way in Anchorage Superior Court with attorneys from around the country, an instant Internet feed for those willing to pay big bucks, and tens of millions of dollars riding on the verdict.
At issue is Zyprexa, pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly & Co.'s best-selling drug. It is approved for treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The state of Alaska sued Eli Lilly in 2006, alleging the company failed to warn of serious health risks for people who take Zyprexa, including the risk of diabetes. It wants the company to cover treatment costs of Medicaid patients who suffered serious health problems after being on the drug.
But Eli Lilly says the state has two irreconcilable positions -- at the same time the state is suing the company, it continues seeking court orders to force mental patients to take the very drug it says is so harmful. Zyprexa has been prescribed for more than 23 million people since its initial approval in 1996, according to Lilly, and it still is being prescribed in the United States and more than 80 other countries. Global sales of Zyprexa last year topped $4.8 billion.
Eight other states have suits pending, plus another 1,200 suits by private individuals are awaiting trial. Alaska's is the first to make it to a jury so all eyes are on Judge Mark Rindner's fourth floor courtroom.
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In addition, a federal criminal investigation is being conducted in Pennsylvania.
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