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July 9, 2008 11:01:34 AM CDT

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Jury Adds Punitive $99M in Hormone Cancer Suit

Posted Oct 16, 07 3:27 AM CDT in US,  Science & Health,  Business    Editor's Choice

(Newser) – A Nevada jury has tacked on an additional $99 million in punitive damages against the Wyeth pharmaceutical company after ruling in favor of three women who argued that the drug maker's hormone replacement therapy caused their breast cancer. That amount, added to compensatory damages determined last week, makes the total finding against the drug manufacturer $134.1 million.

Wyeth faces more than 5,000 similar lawsuits concerning HRT prescribed to ease symptoms of menopause. Wyeth officials claim they informed doctors and patients of the increased risk of breast cancer posed by the treatment. The drugs, Premarin and Prempro, remain available in the US. The company plans to appeal.

Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, CNN

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Three women were awarded $134 million when a jury found a drug company responsible for their breast cancer.   (Associated Press)
The lobby of the headquarters of pharmaceutical company Wyeth is shown in Madison, N.J., in this Oct. 19, 2006 file photo.   (Associated Press)
Wyeth headquarters in Madison, N.J., is seen in this April 28, 2004 file photo.   (Associated Press)
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