The director of the diabetes center at King Saud University criticized the 6-month trial Saudi FDA recall of Avandia. Dr. Khalid Al-Rubeaan is in favor of the Avandia recall in SA being reversed. The diabetes drug was recalled in Saudi Arabia due to increasing evidence from clinical studies that links Avandia with serious cardiovascular risks. The Saudi ban on the diabetes drug continues.
Earlier in May, it was reported that approximately 700 Avandia lawsuits were settled for $60 million. Many lawyers and financial analysts believe this “first round” of Avandia settlements “sets the trend” of what Glaxo will agree to pay to settle the thousands of cases still pending in litigation.