Law Firm Responds to Confirmed Link between Accutane and IBD

August 20, 2006, New York, NY—A US research report confirms that people who take the acne drug isotretinoin run an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. Over the last several years, nationally-recognized mass torts and personal injury law firm Weitz & Luxenberg has been investigating these cases, and has since spearheaded litigation related to isotretinoin, known commonly by brand name Accutane, manufactured by Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. (OTC: RHHBY, SWX: RO.S). A case was filed with the State Supreme Court of New Jersey on May 2, 2006, Mass Tort general docket No. 271.

The Firm will continue its dedication to aiding those who have been harmed by using the drug, says Paul J. Pennock, Director of Weitz & Luxenberg’s drug and medical device litigation unit. “Despite denials by the company, we have been confident for some time that we would be able to prove that these severe and debilitating injuries were wrongfully caused by this drug,” said Pennock, adding, “This company ought to now stop demeaning the people it injured with continued denials and assist them by providing fair compensation for their injuries.”

Since its approval to treat acne in the US in 1982, a host of cases has emerged linking Accutane to IBD. The new report, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, cautions that physicians and patients should be made aware of the link to IBD. The authors urge that this information be included in the consent process that is required before the drug is prescribed.

The researchers of the study found that out of 85 cases reported between 1997 and 2002 to the FDA, 62 cases were deemed “highly probable” or “probable” for Accutane as the cause of IBD. This information only further supports Weitz & Luxenberg's assertion that Accutane can cause its users serious gastrointestinal injuries.

Weitz & Luxenberg represents numerous individuals who have serious injuries linked to their Accutane use. These injuries include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which require life-long therapy, often necessitating surgical intervention.

People who have been injured by Accutane can contact Weitz & Luxenberg. Interested parties should call the Client Relations Department at 1 (800) 476-6070, e-mail clientrelations@weitzlux.com <mailto:clientrelations@weitzlux.com>, and view the Firm’s corporate Web site at http://www.weitzlux.com