GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plans to settle "the vast majority" of several hundred lawsuits that allege consumers suffered zinc poisoning and neurological disabilities after using GSK Super Poligrip denture adhesives.
"With respect to the Poligrip product liability litigation, the Group has reached agreement in principle to settle the vast majority of cases," the company stated on page 26 of a 36-page summary of its second-quarter financial results, released July 21.
When contacted by DrBicuspid.com, GSK declined to comment further at this time because ongoing litigation is involved. The company did not disclose the number of Super Poligrip lawsuits settled or the amount of money GSK will pay as part of the settlement.
Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against GSK and Procter & Gamble (which manufactures Fixodent) by individuals who claim they suffered zinc poisoning and neurological injuries after using the products. The lawsuits allege that the manufacturers:
- Failed to inform consumers that the denture creams contain zinc
- Failed to warn consumers about the potential health risks if too much of the adhesive is consumed
GSK has contended that the products are safe when used as directed, but that some consumers apply more adhesive than directed and use it more than once per day.
Even so, the company announced earlier this year that it would stop manufacturing the Poligrip products and replace them with zinc-free alternatives. In an advisory issued February 18, the company warned consumers about the potential health risks associated with long-term excessive use of zinc-containing denture adhesives, including Super Poligrip Original, Super Poligrip Ultra Fresh, and Super Poligrip Extra Care.
And in March the company announced that it would recall all zinc-containing Poliggrip products currently on the Japanese market.
On July 27, a motion was filed in federal court to establish a fund to satisfy claims involving some of the Poligrip lawsuit clients while the allocation and final disbursement of the monies is finalized, according to a story on aboutlawsuits.com.
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