Bayer Corporation is facing accusations this week that the pharmaceutical giant continued to market its cholesterol-lowering medication Baycol despite the fact company officials knew the drug was causing severe health problems. Newly released documents, reportedly made public by a personal injury attorney involved in a lawsuit against Bayer, reveal the company was promoting Baycol while executives discussed numerous deaths linked to the drug. Baycol was removed from the market in July 2001 after it was linked to myositis and rhabdomyolysis, conditions characterized by severe muscle weakening, soreness, and kidney damage.

A February 2000 email sent by one executive expressed concern that deaths related to Baycol were becoming "widespread knowledge." The e-mail also suggested that Bayer make an official statement on Baycol's side effects before rumors worsened the situation. Bayer denies concealing any information about the drug.