Plaintiffs Accept Draft Bill To Settle Hepatitis C Suits (Japan)
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Plaintiffs suing the Japanese government and makers of tainted blood products accepted the terms of a draft bill to provide blanket relief to relatives or patients who contracted hepatitis C. The party coalition that rules Japan's Diet drafted the legislation at the urging of the prime minister, and plaintiff acceptance is seen as improving chances for settlement of the suits. Among the draft's provisions is one requiring drug makers of the products to contribute to a $179 billion fund in the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency to cover benefits and other payments to patients whose conditions continue to worsen. The proposal is to be presented to the Diet Jan. 7. (Click here for more