Bayer Doubles Estimate of Baycol-Linked Deaths

Bayer said the number of deaths linked to its cholesterol drug Baycol, withdrawn from sale last year, had doubled from an earlier estimate of 52.

The news sent shares in Germany’s largest drug group down more than 2% less than a week before it makes its debut on the New York Stock Exchange and as it seeks partners for its ailing drug unit.

It revived concerns about the possibility of a hefty compensation payout, already worrying investors after Dow Chemical Co. settled an asbestos lawsuit this month.