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Bloomberg BNA Publishes Brett Emison on Testosterone Therapy’s Link to Heart Attacks and Strokes

Langdon & Emison partner Brett Emison has authored a new article that analyzes recent studies linking testosterone therapy and cardiac events. “Testosterone Therapy: Litigation Commences After Studies Link Hormone to Heart Attack, Stroke” appeared in the March 24, 2014 issue of Product Safety & Liability Reporter, published by Bloomberg BNA. The piece offers comparison to the hormone replacement therapy litigation that preceded this developing potential body of mass torts litigation.

“Testosterone supplements have been approved by the FDA for specific conditions caused by documented low testosterone levels or Low T,” Brett writes. “But with off-label marketing, many men are receiving testosterone replacement therapy without Low T levels and for unapproved uses. In recent years this has included fatigue and diminished libido. CBS News reported that nearly 43% of men receiving testosterone therapy had a normal hormone level. Testosterone prescriptions doubled in just four years between 2008 and 2012, due largely to aggressive advertisements from testosterone makers directly targeting men. (…)

“The earliest lawsuits in this body of potential litigation have focused on pleading that Abbott and AbbVie “deceived potential AndroGel users by relaying positive information through the press, including testimonials from retired professional athletes” and statistics suggesting a widespread need for the drugs, “while downplaying known adverse and serious health risks,” according to the complaints filed in February 2014. As the market for these products has been estimated at $1.6 billion industry-wide, the coming months will likely see a large number of complaints filed in the wake of these reports of alleged injuries after being prescribed testosterone therapy.”

Brett’s practice focuses on personal injury litigation. He has been honored by the National Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Missouri Lawyers Weekly, and Super Lawyers as a top young trial lawyer. He helps author the firm’s blog and has been published on multi-media and products liability in a new book from ABA Books. He has successfully litigated matters in the areas of mass torts, auto accidents, product defects, aftermarket vehicles, and a full array of personal injury cases.

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