Seroquel’s Maker Paid FDA Committee Member
A Florida child psychiatrist who was paid by AstraZeneca to talk to other physicians about the antipsychotic drug Seroquel is also the chair of an influential FDA committee, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Dr. Jorge Armenteros was not only AstraZeneca’s paid speaker, he is also the chair and voting member of the FDA advisory committee that will decide whether Seroquel XR, an extended-release version of Seroquel, should be approved to treat depression and anxiety. However, the day before the Philadephia Inquirer story appeared in print, it was announced that Armenteros would not be voting on the request.
Seroquel is currently approved only for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Last year, it generated $4.45 billion in sales. There are approximately 20 million people in the United States who suffer from anxiety and depression. If the FDA approves the expansion, sales of Seroquel could soar.
So too could the number of people suffering dangerous Seroquel side effects such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sudden cardiac death.
Lawsuits have been filed against AstraZeneca alleging that the drugmaker hid the dangers associated with Seroquel from patients and many were seriously injured as a result.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious complication after taking Seroquel, contact the Seroquel attorneys of Carey & Danis. We can help. Carey & Danis is a national law firm that represents individuals injured by America's largest corporations.
