OTHER NEWS - Nov. 11, 1993
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Upjohn Co. Appeals $35-Million Verdict: The award was made to a man who lost his eye after it was accidentally injected with an anti-inflammatory drug. The Kalamazoo, Mich.-based drug maker claims the Food and Drug Administration urged it not to warn ophthalmologists about the drug’s toxicity when used near the eyes. Lawyers for Mayer Procter argued that the Chicago jury’s original $127-million judgment--the largest personal injury award in U.S. history--should be reinstated because it would persuade drug companies to conduct animal studies before “off-label,” or non-original, uses are found for their drugs. Procter’s ophthalmologist was acquitted.
