Propecia Bellwether Trials to Begin Late 2016

Steve Cid | December 2nd, 2014

CourthouseThe first bellwether trials in the ongoing Propecia sexual side effects litigation are now set to go before a jury in late 2016. The trial announcement should be a milestone moment for thousands of Propecia plaintiffs, but instead, it is bittersweet because it means a wait of yet another two years before the first arguments in a court room will even be made.

There are currently 1,100 Propecia lawsuits pending in US District Courts nationwide with 742 federal cases centralized before Judge John Gleeson in the Eastern District of New York in a multidistrict litigation (MDL). The final cases chosen for the bellwether program to begin trial in October 2016 will be representative of the plaintiffs’ allegation that Merck, the manufacturer of Propecia, failed to warn consumers and their physicians that researchers had found a link between the use of Propecia for male pattern baldness and permanent sexual dysfunction.

The bellwether trials will give both sides an opportunity to see how conflicting evidence and testimony play out in front of a live jury. The decisions of the jury are not binding, but they may provide an impetus for the parties to begin discussions of a possible settlement. 

Propecia tied to erectile dysfunction 

Proscar (finasteride),a Merck drug, received FDA approval in 1992 as a treatment for enlarged prostate. In a fortuitous twist for Merck, researchers discovered that in smaller doses, finasteride generated hair growth. A new drug name was coined, and Propecia was born as a treatment for male pattern baldness. What Merck did not anticipate in its zeal to market its new “cure” for baldness was that the drug also caused sexual side effects including depression, temporary and permanent sexual dysfunction, decreased libido, and cognition issues. Merck now faces the prospect of hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements if it cannot convince a jury that it provided adequate warning of the effects. 

Propecia lawsuit funding keeps plaintiffs solvent 

Merck, the manufacturer of Propecia has made its intentions clear—it will defend its product in the courts and it has the patience, resources, and legal muscle to do so.

Until then, out-of-pocket expenses, including medical bills and legal fees, eat away at the victims’ savings while they grapple with personal and social embarrassment and depression which may lead to lost wages and the inability to work. In a 2012 report in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, researchers found that 64% of former Propecia users suffered from moderate or severe depressive symptoms, and 44% experienced thoughts of suicide with the Propecia problems. There has already been one suicide reported by a Propecia user. 

A LawStreet Propecia settlement loan can remove some of that stress as your case makes its way through litigation. It can provide you with a cash advance to keep you afloat as you await your court award or settlement.

There is no risk to you for accepting this funding. Since the advances are considered “non-recourse” funding, LawStreet Capital takes all the risk. If you lose your case, you owe absolutely nothing. If you’re successful, consider your Propecia lawsuit funding an advance on your winnings.

Propecia settlement loans are available

In the event that Merck decides that a settlement is in its best interest, it may take months or even years to receive your settlement. The continued cost of counseling and the potential loss of work due to depression can devastate you and your family until your settlement is paid.

A cash advance from LawStreet Capital is quick– usually within one day of receiving your application with no hidden fees, upfront expenses, or risks to you. You can use the cash right away for whatever you need to give yourself much deserved financial relief.

Call LawStreet Capital today for a free and confidential chat with one of our customer representatives who can begin your Propecia lawsuit funding application process.