The manufacturer of the diabetes drug Actos, a drug that is tied up in mounting complaints and lawsuits citing the development of bladder cancer, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a new diabetes drug known generically as alogliptin. The FDA approved three new alogliptin combination drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes along with an adjusted diet and exercise regimen.
Takeda has announced that it will release the three drug combinations onto the market beginning in the summer of 2013.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, lost their patent over Actos, known generically as pioglitazone, back in August 2012. With more competition entering into the diabetes drug market, especially with generic versions of Actos, Takeda Pharmaceuticals has introduced three combinations of alogliptin, one of which includes pioglitazone, which is present in Actos.
The alogliptin and pioglitazone drug combination is known as Oseni.
A major concern with the release of Oseni is that, though it will be marketed as a separate drug from Actos, it still contains the same active ingredient present in Actos, known as pioglitazone, a notorious ingredient that has been linked to the development of bladder cancer.
As of yet, however, the only warning given for Oseni is that of congestive heart failure, which is similar to the safety alert the FDA released in August 2007 about Actos and congestive heart failure.
Though it may not be immediately apparent that Oseni proves to be just as harmful as Actos, it is easy to make such a deduction following the mountain of complaints and lawsuits that have sprouted up across the country pertaining to the development of bladder cancer. In light of this, it is egregious that Takeda Pharmaceuticals would release onto the market yet another drug containing an ingredient suspected of causing bladder cancer.
One possible motivation for Takeda’s lack of sensitivity to the harm caused by Actos and pioglitazone is the pharmaceutical giant’s efforts to increase profits. According to a Wall Street Journal article published in early February, Takeda has taken a huge hit in the marketplace with their profits dropping 14 percent. Furthermore, a Bloomberg News report cites that Takeda is anticipating a significantly lower net income through early 2015.
Lawyers at Carey Danis & Lowe are currently evaluating Actos bladder cancer cases. We are also closely monitoring Actos lawsuits being filed around the country. If you or someone you love has been injured by Actos, you and your loved one may be eligible to receive compensation.
For a free legal evaluation about your Actos case, contact an experienced trial lawyer at Carey Danis & Lowe at 800.721.2519.
