Plaintiffs Seek $300 Million for Risk of Zyprexa-Induced Injuries

NEW YORK - Three New York residents are suing Zyprexa manufacturer Eli Lilly for more than $300 million, claiming that their use of the atypical antipsychotic has placed them at an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus and other injuries. Penepede, et al. v. Eli Lilly & Co., No. 04-CV-01078 (E.D.N.Y.).

In their March 15 complaint, Philip Penepede and his co-plaintiffs contend that Lilly failed to adequately warn consumers and the medical community about Zyprexa's side effects and misrepresented the drug's risks in order to increase sales.

Zyprexa was approved by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia in 1996 …