French pharmaceutical company Servier has been ordered by a French court to pay €430.6 million ($475 million) in a partial reversal of a 2021 decision concerning its now-banned antidiabetic drug, Mediator (benfluorex). The new ruling has found Servier guilty of fraud, improper acquisition of regulatory authorizations, aggravated deception, and involuntary manslaughter. The substantial sum covers reimbursements to health organizations, criminal fines, legal costs, and damages.
The drug, which gained notoriety as an appetite suppressant and was later linked to cardiovascular issues and deaths, was taken off the market following a scandal that implicated the company in concealing its risks. Servier has rejected the court’s decision and announced plans to appeal, while also preparing to address individual lawsuits related to Mediator.- Flcube.com