Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. announced that in a product liability case involving its diabetes drug, Actos (pioglitazone HCl), in the case of Frances Wisniewski v. Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., et al., Case No.: 120702272,, the jury found in favor of the plaintiff and awarded $2,050,000 in compensatory damages on October 3, 2014. Takeda is considering its options, including post-trial motions and an appeal. The trial began on September 8, 2014, in the Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, before Judge Shelley Robins-New.

“Takeda respectfully disagrees with the verdict and we intend to challenge this outcome,” said Kenneth D. Greisman, senior vice president, general counsel, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc, in a company statement. “We have empathy for Ms. Wisniewski but we believe we presented sufficient evidence to show that her condition was not caused by Actos.”

Prior to today's verdict, judgments were entered in favor of Takeda in five of the first six Actos (pioglitazone HCl) product liability cases to reach trial. Takeda is challenging the outcome of the sixth case.

“Patient safety is a critical priority for Takeda,” said Greisman. “We believe that we have acted responsibly with regard to Actos and plan to vigorously defend the company against future lawsuits.”

Actos is a prescription medicine used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Source: Takeda Pharmaceutical