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OxyContin Lawsuits Being Dismissed
August 6, 2003

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News Summary

To date, Purdue Pharma, the maker of the painkiller OxyContin, has not had to pay any settlements in lawsuits brought against the company for personal injury, the Associated Press reported Aug. 2.

A company official said that so far, 36 lawsuits have been dismissed in federal and state courts.

"We are gratified that these lawsuits have ended in our favor," said Howard R. Udell, executive vice president and chief legal officer at the Stamford, Conn.-based company. "While we sympathize with people who are struggling with substance-abuse disorders, we firmly believe that the injuries claimed in these lawsuits were not caused by the proper medical use of OxyContin."

Purdue Pharma released OxyContin in 1996 to treat severe, chronic pain. But in recent years, the company has been criticized for irresponsible marketing of the drug.

Some users crush the tablets and snort or inject the drug to obtain an immediate, intense high similar to heroin.

Some 285 lawsuits are still pending against Purdue Pharma.

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