Trasylol class action commenced in Canada

    LONDON, ON, Dec. 4 /CNW/ - The law firm Siskinds LLP has launched a class
action against Bayer Inc. ("Bayer") regarding its drug Trasylol.
    Trasylol ("aprotinin") was approved by Health Canada in 1995 for use
during heart bypass surgery to help reduce bleeding and the need for blood
transfusions. On November 5, 2007, Bayer suspended marketing of Trasylol
following results from a clinical trial that suggested an increased risk of
death. Use of Trasylol during surgery has been linked to an increased risk of
developing cardiovascular or cerebrovascular adverse events, renal
dysfunction, or death.
    A hearing was scheduled for yesterday with a panel of experts asked to
advise Health Canada on future use of the drug. A review of Trasylol was
rushed to print on Tuesday by the Canadian Medical Association Journal in
advance of the hearing. The lead author of the review stated that the data did
not allow them to identify a subgroup in whom the benefits of Trasylol
outweigh the harms.
    The Statement of Claim alleges that Bayer failed to adequately warn
patients and physicians of the increased risk of serious adverse injury
associated with use of Trasylol as compared to safer alternatives. Charles
Wright, a partner with Siskinds LLP, describes the purpose of the proceeding
as "We believe that through this lawsuit Bayer will be required to explain to
Canadian consumers what it knew about the risks associated with Trasylol and
when it first became aware of those risks. In this case, as with all of these
types of cases, we are concerned about whether Canadians were adequately
warned of the risks associated with using the product in question."
    It is too early at this stage to quantify the claims of potential class
members, but it is anticipated that the amount is significant. Canadians who
have experienced adverse events from Trasylol use are encouraged to visit
www.classaction.ca or to call 1-800-461-6166. Quebec residents can contact
Claude Desmeules at [phone].

For further information: Please contact Charles Wright at [phone]
or Matthew Baer at [phone]