Pfizer Enters Into Agreement With Kano State Government

Published: 30-Jul-2009

Government to dismiss civil and criminal cases against the company

Pfizer has reached an agreement with the Kano State government in Nigeria to settle Kano State’s claims arising from the 1996 Trovan clinical study.

Kano State will dismiss both the civil and criminal Trovan-related cases it filed against the company and various individuals, and Pfizer specifically denies any wrongdoing or liability in connection with the 1996 study. The company has said that the 1996 study was conducted with the approval of the Nigerian government and the consent of the participants’ parents or guardians, and was consistent with Nigerian laws.

The company said that under the terms of the settlement with Kano State, it has agreed to establish a Healthcare/Meningitis Fund. The study participants can receive financial support, underwrite several healthcare initiatives chosen by the government that benefit the people of Kano State (totaling $30 million over a period of two years0, and reimburse Kano State for $10 million in legal costs associated with the litigation.

Brad Lerman, senior vice president and associate general counsel of Pfizer, said: “We have been a partner with the people and governments of Nigeria for more than 50 years. The company believes that a mutually agreeable resolution to the Trovan cases is the best way to continue that relationship and allow Pfizer and the Nigerian governments to focus on what matters - improving healthcare for all Nigerians.

“We are especially pleased that the benefits of this settlement will be directed first and foremost to those who contracted meningitis in 1996 and also participated in the clinical study at that time,” Mr. Lerman said. “With the procedures in place for the Healthcare/Meningitis Fund, the people of Nigeria will have confidence that the parties have taken strong steps to ensure that the funds reach only those for whom they are intended,” he added.

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