Pfizer Close to Settling Trovan Case in Nigeria? Perhaps Not
UPDATE: A Pfizer spokesperson says the reports of an impending settlement are “not accurate” but talks are “ongoing.” (Adds in bold.)
Pfizer is close to settling the Trovan litigation in Nigeria, and may have whittled the plaintiffs down to as little as $75 million, according to Africa News. But Pfizer representative Chris Loder tells BNET “those stories are not accurate … the process is ongoing.”
The case stems from tests Pfizer did in 1996 during a meningitis outbreak in the African nation. Eleven children died. Trovan’s use was restricted in the U.S. and banned in Europe. The events may have inspired the book and movie, The Constant Gardener.
The Nigerian federal government sought $7 billion in damages while Kano state sought $2 billion. Pfizer officials were also charged criminally, according to the AP.
If the case settles for anything close to $75 million it would be cheap at the price. This is Africa News’ impression of the deal:
$35 million of the amount is going to be shared among the victims as compensation; $30 million will be paid to Kano State Government for the construction of modern hospitals; and the remaining $10 million will be paid to cover litigation expenses by government on behalf of the victims.
The publication says “The deal will be sealed in Rome in March this year.” Loder declined to comment on that notion. But, he said, “we do believe a settlement is in the best interest of all parties and also can improve and expand healthcare for all the people of Nigeria.”
One depressing open question remains: How much of this money will actually end up with the families of the victims? Nigeria is notorious for its corruption. At least one African news service has reported that Nigerian officials are maneuvering to get a slice of the settlement for themselves.
- See previous BNET stories on the Pfizer Trovan case:
- Claim: LeCarre’s “The Constant Gardener” Was Based on Pfizer Trovan Case
- NEJM: Foreign Drug Trials Could Hurt U.S. Patients
- India to Regulate Clinical Drug Trials by Foreign Companies
- Body Count Linked to GSK Vaccine Trial Rises
- Pfizer Trovan Case: Doctor Sues Over Link to Nigerian Attorney General Who Allegedly Wants Slice of Settlement
Jim Edwards, a former managing editor of Adweek, has covered drug marketing at Brandweek for four years, and is a former Knight-Bagehot fellow at Columbia University's business and journalism schools. Follow him on Twitter or send him an email.
BNET User Analysis