Zyprexa class action continues in Canada

[Guest guest]

Zyprexa class action continues in Canada

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2005/10/c0520.html

LONDON, ON, June 10 /CNW/ - Lawyers pursuing class actions on

behalf of

individuals who have taken Zyprexa in Canada, said that yesterday's

announcement by Eli Lilly & Company of a resolution of American

claims does

not affect the class actions currently underway in Canada. The

settlement

reached applies to U.S. residents only. Zyprexa is an " atypical "

antipsychotic

medication which was first approved by Health Canada for the

treatment of

schizophrenia in 1996. Since that time, Zyprexa has also been

approved for the

treatment of bipolar mania. Zyprexa was associated with a 37%

increase in the

risk of development of diabetes as compared to other atypical anti-

psychotic

medications.

J. Peerless, a partner with the law firm Siskind,

Cromarty, Ivey

& Dowler LLP in London, Ontario, said that " The American and Canadian

litigation contexts with respect to the Zyprexa litigation are

somewhat

different, in that in the United States, these cases were pursued on

an

individual basis, and there was no class settlement. It is our view

that the

Zyprexa litigation is perfectly suited for class treatment in

Canada. Although

not applicable to Canadians, the U.S. settlement is a welcome

development in

this litigation and it is encouraging to see that Eli Lilly

recognizes their

responsibility. We are optimistic that we will be able to achieve

similar

success for Canadians. " The Canadian Zyprexa class actions have been

underway

for some time and are currently proceeding through the courts in

British

Columbia, Alberta, Quebec and Ontario, and a national class is being

sought. A

schedule for certification has been set in the Ontario Superior

Court of

Justice. There is a coalition of lawyers working across the country

to ensure

Canadian recipients of Zyprexa are treated fairly. Colin son of

sons Barristers stated that " The national team of lawyers is

working

very effectively together and is committed to ensuring the best

possible

result for the class. "

Unlike in the United States litigation context, in which

plaintiffs must

retain individual lawyers to pursue their cases, the fact that class

actions

are being pursued in Canada means that Class Counsel is obligated to

protect

the interests of all class members regardless of whether or not they

have

contacted an individual lawyer.

It is too early at this stage to quantify the claims of

potential class

members, but it is anticipated that the amount is very significant.

Any

Canadians taking Zyprexa are encouraged to visit www.classaction.ca

or

www.classproceedings.ca.

For further information: J. Peerless, at (519) 672-2121

[Guest guest]

Zyprexa class action continues in Canada

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2005/10/c0520.html

LONDON, ON, June 10 /CNW/ - Lawyers pursuing class actions on

behalf of

individuals who have taken Zyprexa in Canada, said that yesterday's

announcement by Eli Lilly & Company of a resolution of American

claims does

not affect the class actions currently underway in Canada. The

settlement

reached applies to U.S. residents only. Zyprexa is an " atypical "

antipsychotic

medication which was first approved by Health Canada for the

treatment of

schizophrenia in 1996. Since that time, Zyprexa has also been

approved for the

treatment of bipolar mania. Zyprexa was associated with a 37%

increase in the

risk of development of diabetes as compared to other atypical anti-

psychotic

medications.

J. Peerless, a partner with the law firm Siskind,

Cromarty, Ivey

& Dowler LLP in London, Ontario, said that " The American and Canadian

litigation contexts with respect to the Zyprexa litigation are

somewhat

different, in that in the United States, these cases were pursued on

an

individual basis, and there was no class settlement. It is our view

that the

Zyprexa litigation is perfectly suited for class treatment in

Canada. Although

not applicable to Canadians, the U.S. settlement is a welcome

development in

this litigation and it is encouraging to see that Eli Lilly

recognizes their

responsibility. We are optimistic that we will be able to achieve

similar

success for Canadians. " The Canadian Zyprexa class actions have been

underway

for some time and are currently proceeding through the courts in

British

Columbia, Alberta, Quebec and Ontario, and a national class is being

sought. A

schedule for certification has been set in the Ontario Superior

Court of

Justice. There is a coalition of lawyers working across the country

to ensure

Canadian recipients of Zyprexa are treated fairly. Colin son of

sons Barristers stated that " The national team of lawyers is

working

very effectively together and is committed to ensuring the best

possible

result for the class. "

Unlike in the United States litigation context, in which

plaintiffs must

retain individual lawyers to pursue their cases, the fact that class

actions

are being pursued in Canada means that Class Counsel is obligated to

protect

the interests of all class members regardless of whether or not they

have

contacted an individual lawyer.

It is too early at this stage to quantify the claims of

potential class

members, but it is anticipated that the amount is very significant.

Any

Canadians taking Zyprexa are encouraged to visit www.classaction.ca

or

www.classproceedings.ca.

For further information: J. Peerless, at (519) 672-2121