(July 25, 2011)
Back in May, Amylin Pharmaceuticals brought Eli Lilly to court, claiming that Lilly violated terms of their joint partnership in diabetes drug Byetta and alleging that they teamed up with another manufacturer to sell a similar product.
This lawsuit alleges that Eli Lilly violated federal laws and engaged in anti-competitive practices by teaming with Boehringer Ingelheim to develop Tradjenta, a new diabetes treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Amylin strongly believes that Eli Lilly would have the ability to use one marketing team for both Byetta and Tradjenta, allocating more publicity and better marketing to whatever drug they choose. Eli Lilly, however, denies that Tradjenta is a competing drug, stating that Tradjenta is a tablet and Byetta is an injection.
Last month, a federal judge refused to block Eli Lilly from promoting it’s new drug Tradjenta. Amylin’s June 8 press release states that they will continue with their lawsuit regardless of the court’s decision.
Byetta is an injected prescription medicine – generically known as exenatide – taken to reduce blood sugar (glucose) levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, when used in conjunction with a diet and exercise program. Originally approved by the FDA in April of 2005, Byetta’s manufacturers were required by the FDA in November of 2009 to revise the prescribing information to include post-marketing reports of altered kidney function.
It has been reported that taking Byetta can cause kidney failure, as well as pancreatitis. Mild cases can be successfully treated, however more severe cases involving pancreatitis may require immediate surgery with long-term complications, possibly even death.
From April of 2005 to October of 2008, the FDA received 78 cases of altered kidney function in patients using Byetta. The FDA has stated that it is difficult to discern the difference between acute pancreatitis and less dangerous forms of the condition.
If you or a loved one have taken Byetta and have reported any symptoms, you may be eligible to file a dangerous drug claim. feel free to contact one of our attorneys at 1-800-246-4878.
