Risperdal Lawsuit Trial Draws Attention To Controversial Testimony And Potentially Hidden Study Results

LegalHerald.com comments on recent reports that controversial testimony from a Johnson & Johnson biochemist during a Risperdal lawsuit trial indicated that the corporate giant had intentionally concealed specific study results linking its antipsychotic drug, Risperdal, to dangerous hormonal level developments among patients using it.

Risperdal is a powerful antipsychotic drug which gained approval from the FDA not long ago to treat autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia in adolescents and adults. For many years, the drug was not approved to treat children, but after 2006, its approved uses expanded to include young patients.

This recent and incredibly controversial testimony was detailed in an article from New Brunswick Today, which drew further attention to details from a February trial that had taken place regarding the drug. The trial came to an end when a jury awarded the Alabama plaintiff involved with $2.5 million in compensation as he had reportedly suffered from damaging side effects after using the drug as a child.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals manufactures Risperdal and is a division of parent company Johnson & Johnson. It has been reported that the company funded a 2003 study which indicated that no connection between long-term risperidone (generic Risperdal) treatment among patients and the development of elevated prolactin levels existed. It was also indicated that three of this study’s authors were employed by Janssen and two of the study’s independent authors have now requested a reanalysis of the indicated findings.

During the February Risperdal trial, evidence was presented that included a written manuscript of the study now being questioned which included two tables linking use of the drug to elevated prolactin levels. These elevated prolactin levels can cause the development of gynecomastia, which is a condition that several plaintiffs now attribute to their use of the drug. Gynecomastia refers to significant breast development in males, causing their breasts to resemble that of females. The tables shown during the trial, as well as the critical information they presented, were reportedly never given to the FDA or to medical journals for publication.

The attorneys of Banville Law are working to help other patients who have used Risperdal and who believe that their health has been negatively impacted by the drug. Patients who believe they were affected may be entitled to significant compensation and are greatly encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to fully evaluate their legal rights in the matter. To assist patients wanting to further investigate their legal options at this time, the attorneys of Banville Law are now offering complimentary legal consultations for qualified individuals.

To request further information, or to ask questions, contact the attorneys of Banville Law by calling 888-997-3792.