Below I linked to somewhat humorous research about ovarian cancer prevention. When it was linked by InstaPundit, I got an email from the Senior Counsel to the Tennessee Attorney General notifying me about a somewhat related issue.
Taxol is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of several cancers, but its predominant use is the treatment of ovarian cancer. The makers of Taxol have entered into an agreement with all 50 states to refund some money to patients who got taxol between 1999 and 2003; it is a somewhat complicated story, and if you’re interested, you can read all about it at:
TAXOL/Paclitaxel Consumer Settlement Website.
So how much are we talking about here?
From a .pdf release from the Tenn AG’s office:
…an estimated $55 million agreement with the Bristol Myers-Squibb Company regarding antitrust allegations involving the cancer-fighting drug, Taxol. Tennessee joined 49 other states and U.S. territories in the agreement with the drug manufacturer and will recover part of the $55 million in claims for damages, penalties and individual consumer redress.
…The Attorneys General have set aside approximately $12 million for a nationwide consumer distribution to compensate consumers who may have paid higher prices for Taxol. Under the settlement, each participating state will receive damages incurred by certain governmental facilities that purchased the Taxol or its generic equivalent. While the ultimate allocation among the litigating states has not yet been determined, more than $37 million will be set aside to be divided for this purpose. An estimated $6 million will be used for costs of notifying the public and other administrative costs.
12.5 Mil for patients out of a 55 Mil settlement. Hmmm. If you qualify, sign up now, or the lawyers will keep it all. I guarantee they won’t give any of that money back.
