HEALTH CARE
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Lawsuits Threaten Former Implant Maker: Cooper Cos. Inc., a medical technology company ravaged by lawsuits and federal fraud indictments, warned that potential losses from hundreds of pending breast implant lawsuits could force the company out of business. The disclosure came as Cooper reported a loss of $17.1 million, or 56 cents a share, for its fourth quarter ended Oct. 31. Cooper sold its implant-manufacturing subsidiaries in 1988; other subsidiaries make contact lenses and surgical equipment. The Food and Drug Administration last year restricted the use of silicon breast implants after allegations that they leak, causing immune system disorders and cancer.
