Forest Laboratories MDL Over Antidepressant Drugs. According to Law360, Forest Laboratories is fighting multidistrict litigation over its antidepressant drugs Celexa and Lexapro. The company faces allegations that it misled customers about the efficacy of Celexa and Lexapro in children. The company argued that in a Massachusetts federal court that class claims should not be allowed because allegations are too individualized.
Allegedly, Forest overstated the benefits of Celexa and Lexapro in children. Forest argued that these allegations, filed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, are time-barred.
In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that Celexa is no more effective than a placebo in treating depression in children. The agency has approved Lexapro for patients ages 12 and older; Celexa is approved for patients 18 and up.
In March 2014, Forest agreed to a settlement involving Celexa and Lexapro claims
In March 2014, Forest agreed to a settlement involving Celexa and Lexapro claims. The company agreed to pay between $7.7 million and $10.4 million.
According to Law360, the MDL has been ongoing for seven years. A number of other class action lawsuits have been filed. In January, plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint alleging Forest’s actions caused them to purchase ineffective drugs for their children.
The company implemented a deceptive marketing strategy to mislead doctors about the effectiveness of the antidepressants, the complaint alleges.
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