The co-owner of a specialty pharmacy responsible for a deadly meningitis outbreak refused to talk to members of a congressional panel that discussed the issue on Wednesday, according to a story in the Chicago Tribune.
The New England Compounding Center in Massachusetts produced the contaminated steroid medication that has triggered 461 cases of fungal meningitis and killed 32 people. The story says those numbers will likely increase, because as many as 14,000 people have been exposed to the drugs used for back and joint pain.
NECC co-owner Barry Cadden appeared before the House Energy and Commerce Committee under subpoena. He refused to answer questions, invoking his constitutional rights against self-incrimination.
Compounding pharmacies such as NECC formulate specialty medications, using ingredients provided by other sources. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg also appeared before the committee. She urged Congress to pass new legislation that would give the FDA clear authority to regulate large-scale compounding pharmacies.
Lopez McHugh is investigating cases related to this outbreak. If you or a loved one had an injection and were diagnosed with meningitis, you should consult with a Lopez McHugh lawyer for a free consultation.
See the story here:
