Meningitis Sister Company Issues Massive Product Recall

The sister company of Framingham’s New England Compounding Center (NECC) – Ameridose – recalled all of its products on October 31, 2012. According to health officials, the NECC is the source of fungus-contaminated steroid injections that have killed 28 people and sickened at least 363 in 19 states.

Ameridose, a Westboro compounding pharmacy, is recalling all unexpired medications after FDA and state officials expressed concerns about sterile conditions at the facility. No contamination has been detected in Ameridose’s products so far. Earlier this month, Ameridose and its distribution partner, Alanaus Pharmaceuticals, voluntarily shut down operations as a result of pressure from Massachusetts health officials. In addition, owner Barry J. Cadden resigned from his corporate positions at Ameridose. Cadden and Gregory Conigliaro own Ameridose, Alanaus Pharmaceuticals, and the NECC.
Pharmaceutical companies are in the business of manufacturing and selling drugs to make a profit. Manufacturers are constantly introducing new drugs into the market and, each year, thousands of people are injured or killed due to dangerous and defective characteristics.
The FDA is the primary governmental agency involved in overseeing the introduction and performance of new drugs and medications. In certain circumstances, the FDA may recall a dangerous drug or may require that certain warnings accompany the product. Pursuing litigation against a large drug company requires experience, persistence, and resources. Defective drug cases often involve evaluations of scientific studies and assessments of the pre-market testing and investigation performed by the drug manufacturer. Compounding companies such as NECC present particular concerns since they are not subjected to many of the strict regulations covering large pharmaceutical companies.
Swartz & Swartz, P.C. is committed to the persistent and unrelenting pursuit of drug manufacturers who cause serious injury or death to unsuspecting consumers. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dangerous drug and would like to speak with an attorney, please contact us; you can call us at (617) 742-1900, or if you are outside the Boston area, call toll-free at 1-800-545-3732. We are here to answer your questions and discuss how to protect your legal rights.