Chattem Signs Memorandum of Understanding for Settlement of Dexatrim Cases

SEATTLE - Chattem Inc., and the Delaco Company recently signed a memorandum of understanding with members of the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee stating that the company will seek to settle claims filed by individuals who suffered injuries allegedly caused by their ingestion of the PPA-containing appetite suppressant Dexatrim. In re: Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1407 (W.D. Wash.).

As a result of the company's announcement, U.S. District Judge Barbara Rothstein entered an order Dec. 19, 2003, staying discovery in cases involving Dexatrim-related injury claims in the federal MDL. Judge Rothstein also entered a confidentiality order stating that the terms …