Plaintiff attorneys arguing the first lawsuit to go to trial over the withdrawn cholesterol drug Baycol are reportedly seeking $500 million in punitive damages. According to a German newspaper, the amount is in addition to compensation of around $100 million already demanded in the case.
The suit, which is ongoing in Corpus Christi, Texas, was filed by retired engineer Hollis Haltom, who alleges Bayer Corporation's Baycol, which was removed from the U.S. market in August 2001, caused him to develop rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle disorder that can lead to kidney damage and liver failure. Haltom claims he took samples of the medication for two weeks before the condition appeared.