IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

 

:

ALBERT SKEELS and : CIVIL ACTION

JENNIFER SKEELS, :

:

Plaintiffs, : NO. 02-CV-4274

:

vs. :

:

BAYER CORPORATION, : (Pending transfer to

BAYER AG, : In re Baycol Products Litigation

GLAXOSMITHKLINE, PLC, : MDL 1431 (D. Minn.)).

GLAXOSMITHKLINE, :

SMITHKLINE BEECHAM :

:

Defendants. :

 :

ANSWER AND DEFENSES OF DEFENDANT BAYER AG

Defendant BAYER AG answers the Complaint in this action as follows:

1. The allegations in paragraph 1 of the Complaint set forth legal conclusions

to which no response is required. To the extent that a response is required, Bayer AG is without

knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations in

paragraph 1, except that Bayer AG denies that Plaintiffs are entitled to any relief.

2. Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief

as to the truth of the allegations in paragraph 2.

3. Bayer AG admits that Bayer Corporation is a corporation and that Bayer

Corporation’s principal place of business is located at 100 Bayer Road, Pittsburgh, PA. Bayer

AG denies the remaining allegations in paragraph 3.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 1 of 25
2

4. Bayer AG admits that it is a German corporation with its principal place of

business in Leverkusen, Germany. Bayer AG denies the remaining allegations in paragraph 4.

Bayer AG further states that it does not contest specific personal jurisdiction over Bayer AG in

this action, but Bayer AG denies that general jurisdiction exists over Bayer AG in this action.

5. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 5. For a further response,

Bayer AG states that to the extent that the Complaint contains allegations that are directed to

Bayer Corporation by use of the term “defendants” or otherwise, no answer is required by Bayer

AG, and Bayer AG therefore makes no response in this Answer to the allegations that are

directed to Bayer Corporation.

6. Bayer AG admits that Bayer Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of

Bayer AG. Bayer AG denies any remaining allegations in paragraph 6.

7. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity in the allegations in paragraph 7,

Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of such

allegations.

8. Bayer AG admits, on information and belief, that GlaxoSmithKline plc is

an English public limited company with its principal place of business in England. Bayer AG is

without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the remaining

allegations in paragraph 8.

9. Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief

as to the truth of the allegations in paragraph 9.

10. Bayer AG admits, on information and belief, that SmithKline Beecham

Corporation is a Pennsylvania corporation with its principal place of business in Pennsylvania.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 2 of 25
3

Bayer AG is without knowledge and information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the

remaining allegations in paragraph 10.

11. Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief

as to the truth of the allegations in paragraph 11.

12. Bayer AG admits that cerivastatin sodium, a prescription medication, was

sold under the trade name Baycol® in the United States and the trade name Lipobay® in certain

countries outside of the United States. Bayer AG denies the remaining allegations in paragraph

12.

13. Bayer AG admits that cerivastatin sodium, which was sold in the United

States under the trade name Baycol®, was manufactured in Germany. Bayer AG denies the

remaining allegations in paragraph 13.

14. Bayer AG admits that prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer AG manufactured

cerivastatin sodium in Germany and Bayer Corporation sold cerivastatin sodium under the trade

name Baycol® in the United States. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the remaining

allegations in paragraph 14, Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a

belief as to the truth of such allegations.

15. Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief

as to the truth of the allegations in paragraph 15.

16. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 16.

17. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the allegations in paragraph

17, Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of

such allegations.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 3 of 25
4

18. Bayer AG admits that Plaintiffs purport to commence an action seeking

relief, but Bayer AG denies that Plaintiffs are entitled to any relief. Bayer AG admits that

Baycol® is a prescription medication also known as cerivastatin sodium, and that cerivastatin

sodium is known as Lipobay® in certain countries outside of the United States. Bayer AG

denies that Plaintiffs were injured as a result of ingestion of Baycol® as sold by Bayer

Corporation. Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the

truth of the remaining allegations in paragraph 18.

19. Bayer AG denies that it promoted and/or sold Baycol® in the United

States. Bayer AG admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer Corporation promoted and sold

Baycol® in the United States, that prior to August 8, 2001, SmithKline Beecham Corporation

d/b/a GlaxoSmithKline participated in the promotion of Baycol® in the United States, and that it

is estimated that, prior to August 8, 2001, more than 700,000 persons took Baycol® in the

United States. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the remaining allegations in

paragraph 19, Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the

truth of such allegations.

20. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 20.

21. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 21.

22. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 22.

23. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 23.

24. Bayer AG admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer Corporation

marketed Baycol® in the United States as safe for use in accordance with prescribing

information and under the care of a physician or other health care provider. Bayer AG denies the

remaining allegations in paragraph 24.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 4 of 25
5

25. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 25.

26. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 26.

27. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 27.

28. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 28 to the extent that they

relate to Bayer AG. Bayer AG admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer Corporation

promoted, marketed, distributed and sold Baycol®, a prescription medication, in the United

States, including in Pennsylvania, and that prior to August 8, 2001, SmithKline Beecham

Corporation d/b/a GlaxoSmithKline participated in the promotion of Baycol® in the United

States. Bayer AG admits that Bayer Corporation has promoted, marketed, distributed and/or sold

certain prescription and non-prescription drug products in Pennsylvania. Bayer AG denies that

Bayer Corporation and SmithKline Beecham d/b/a GlaxoSmithKline manufactured Baycol®.

Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the remaining allegations in paragraph 28, Bayer AG

is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of such allegations.

29. Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief

as to the truth of the allegations in paragraph 29.

30. Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief

as to the truth of the allegations in paragraph 30.

31. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 31.

32. Bayer AG admits that at least five other statins have been approved by the

United States Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) for sale in the United States, and that

statins block the activity of an enzyme that is involved in the production of cholesterol in the

liver. Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief regarding the

truth of the remaining allegations in paragraph 32.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 5 of 25
6

33. Bayer AG denies the allegations of paragraph 33.

34. Bayer AG denies the allegations of paragraph 34.

35. Bayer AG denies the allegations of paragraph 35.

36. Bayer AG admits that in June 1997, the FDA approved Bayer

Corporation’s application to market Baycol® in the United States, that prior to August 8, 2001,

Bayer Corporation marketed Baycol® in the United States, and that prior to August 8, 2001,

SmithKline Beecham Corporation d/b/a GlaxoSmithKline participated in the promotion of

Baycol® in the United States. Bayer AG admits that Bayer Corporation voluntarily withdrew

Baycol® from the market in the United States on August 8, 2001. Bayer AG denies the

remaining allegations in paragraph 36.

37. Bayer AG admits that the FDA made an announcement regarding the

voluntary withdrawal of Baycol® from the market in the United States. That announcement is in

writing and speaks for itself. To the extent that Plaintiffs' allegations regarding the content of

that announcement are inconsistent with the actual language of the announcement, Bayer AG

denies those allegations. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the remaining allegations in

paragraph 37, Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the

truth of such allegations.

38. Bayer AG admits that all statins, including Baycol®, have been associated

with reports of rhabdomyolysis, that the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis may include muscle pain,

tenderness and weakness, malaise and nausea, and that in severe cases involving persons

susceptible to renal injury, rhabdomyolysis may involve renal failure which can be fatal.

Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the remaining allegations in paragraph 38, Bayer AG

is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of such allegations.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 6 of 25
7

39. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the allegations in paragraph

39, Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of

such allegations.

40. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 40.

41. Bayer AG admits that Bayer Corporation discontinued sampling of the 0.8

mg dose of Baycol® through Bayer Corporation's sales representatives in 2001. Bayer AG

denies the remaining allegations in paragraph 41.

42. Paragraph 42 apparently purports to describe the FDA’s announcement

regarding Bayer Corporation’s voluntary withdrawal of Baycol® from the market in the United

States on August 8, 2001, which announcement is in writing and speaks for itself. To the extent

that Plaintiffs' allegations regarding the content of that announcement are inconsistent with the

actual language of the announcement, Bayer AG denies those allegations. Because of the

vagueness and ambiguity of the remaining allegations in paragraph 42, Bayer AG is without

knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of such allegations.

43. Bayer AG admits that Baycol® is one of several drug products generally

included within the class of drug products known as statins, which block the activity of an

enzyme that is involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver. Bayer AG also admits that

all statins have been associated with reports of rhabdomyolysis. Bayer AG also admits that

rhabdomyolysis is a condition that results from the breakdown of muscle cells and the release of

contents of muscle cells into the bloodstream, that the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis may include

muscle pain and tenderness, and that in severe cases involving persons susceptible to renal

injury, rhabdomyolysis may involve renal failure, which can be fatal. Because of the vagueness

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 7 of 25
8

and ambiguity in the remaining allegations in paragraph 43, Bayer AG is without knowledge or

information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of those allegations.

44. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 44.

45. Paragraph 45 apparently purports to describe the FDA’s announcement

regarding Bayer Corporation’s voluntary withdrawal of Baycol® from the market in the United

States on August 8, 2001. The FDA’s announcement is in writing and speaks for itself. To the

extent that Plaintiffs' allegations regarding the content of that announcement are inconsistent

with the actual language of the announcement, Bayer AG denies those allegations. Bayer AG

admits that the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis may include muscle pain, tenderness and weakness,

malaise, fever, dark urine, nausea and vomiting, that the muscle pain may be diffuse or specific

to particular muscle groups, and that in severe cases involving persons susceptible to renal

injury, rhabdomyolysis may involve renal failure, which can be fatal. Bayer AG denies the

remaining allegations in paragraph 45.

46. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the allegations in paragraph

46, Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of

such allegations.

47. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the allegations in paragraph

47, Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of

such allegations.

48. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 48.

49. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 49.

50. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 50.

51. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 51.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 8 of 25
9

52. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 52.

53. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 53.

54. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 54.

55. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 55.

56. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 56, except that Bayer AG

admits that Baycol® as sold by Bayer Corporation was safe.

57. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 57.

58. The February 18, 1998 announcement referred to in paragraph 58 is in

writing and speaks for itself. To the extent that Plaintiffs' allegations regarding the content of

that announcement are inconsistent with the actual language of the announcement, Bayer AG

denies those allegations. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the remaining allegations in

paragraph 58, Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the

truth of such allegations.

59. Bayer AG admits that the FDA approved Bayer Corporation’s application

to market a 0.4 mg dose of Baycol® in the United States in May 1999. Bayer AG denies the

remaining allegations in paragraph 59.

60. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the allegations in paragraph

60, Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of

such allegations.

61. Bayer AG admits that paragraph 61 purports to describe an October 25,

1999 letter from Michael A. Misocky of the FDA’s Division of Drug Marketing, Advertising and

Communications to Bayer Corporation and certain written materials referred to in that letter.

Those documents, being in writing, speak for themselves. To the extent that Plaintiffs’

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 9 of 25
10

allegations regarding the contents of those documents are inconsistent with the actual language

of the documents, Bayer AG denies those allegations. Bayer AG denies the remaining

allegations in paragraph 61.

62. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the allegations in paragraph

62, Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of

such allegations.

63. Bayer AG admits that the FDA approved Bayer Corporation’s application

to market a 0.8 mg dose of Baycol® in the United States in July 2000. Bayer AG denies the

remaining allegations in paragraph 63.

64. Bayer AG admits that Bayer Corporation issued a “Dear Health Care

Professional” letter in May 2001. That letter, being in writing, speaks for itself. To the extent

that Plaintiffs' allegations regarding the content of that letter are inconsistent with the actual

language of the letter, Bayer AG denies those allegations. Bayer AG denies the remaining

allegations in paragraph 64.

65. Bayer AG admits that paragraph 65 purports to quote portions of a letter

dated August 8, 2001 from E. Paul MacCarthy, M.D., Vice President of Bayer Corporation,

addressed to healthcare professionals. That letter, being in writing, speaks for itself. To the

extent that Plaintiffs' allegations regarding the content of that letter are inconsistent with the

actual language of the letter, Bayer AG denies those allegations. Bayer AG denies the remaining

allegations in paragraph 65.

66. Bayer AG admits that, on August 8, 2001, Bayer Corporation voluntarily

withdrew Baycol® from the market in the United States. Bayer AG denies the remaining

allegations in paragraph 66.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 10 of 25
11

67. Paragraph 67 refers to a document which is in writing and speaks for

itself. To the extent that Plaintiff's allegations regarding that document are inconsistent with the

actual language of the document, Bayer AG denies those allegations. Bayer AG denies the

remaining allegations in paragraph 67.

68. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 68.

69. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 69.

70. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 70.

71. Bayer AG admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, SmithKline Beecham

Corporation d/b/a GlaxoSmithKline participated in the promotion of Baycol® in the United

States. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the remaining allegations in paragraph 71,

Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of such

allegations.

72. Bayer AG admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer Corporation

promoted, marketed and distributed Baycol® in the United States. Because of the vagueness and

ambiguity of the remaining allegations in paragraph 72, Bayer AG is without knowledge or

information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of such allegations.

73. Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief

as to the truth of the allegations in paragraph 73.

74. Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief

as to the truth of the allegations in paragraph 74.

75. In response to the allegations in paragraph 75, Bayer AG incorporates by

reference its responses to paragraphs 1 through 74 of the Complaint.

76. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 76.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 11 of 25
12

77. Paragraph 77 sets forth conclusions of law to which no response is

required. To the extent that a response is required, Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph

77.

78. Paragraph 78 sets forth conclusions of law to which no response is

required. To the extent that a response is required, Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph

78.

79. Paragraph 79 sets forth conclusions of law to which no response is

required. To the extent that a response is required, Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph

79.

COUNT I

80. In response to the allegations in paragraph 80, Bayer AG incorporates by

reference its responses to paragraphs 1 through 79 of the Complaint.

81. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 81.

82. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 82.

83. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 83.

84. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 84, including subparts (a)

through (i).

85. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 85.

COUNT II

86. In response to the allegations in the first sentence of paragraph 86, Bayer

AG incorporates by reference its responses to paragraphs 1 through 85 of the Complaint. Bayer

AG denies the remaining allegations in paragraph 86.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 12 of 25
13

87. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 87, including subparts (a)

through (l).

88. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 88.

89. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 89.

90. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 90.

91. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 91.

92. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 92.

COUNT III

93. In response to the allegations in paragraph 93, Bayer AG incorporates by

reference its responses to paragraphs 1 through 92 of the Complaint.

94. Bayer AG admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer AG manufactured

and sold cerivastatin sodium. Bayer AG also admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer

Corporation marketed, promoted, distributed and sold Baycol® in the United States. Bayer AG

further admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, SmithKline Beecham Corporation d/b/a

GlaxoSmithKline participated in the promotion of Baycol® in the United States. Bayer AG

denies that Bayer Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline, GlaxoSmithKline plc and SmithKline

Beecham Corporation manufactured Baycol®. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the

remaining allegations in the first sentence in paragraph 94, Bayer AG is without knowledge or

information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of such allegations. Bayer AG denies the

remaining allegations in paragraph 94, including subparts (a) through (g).

95. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 95.

96. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 96.

97. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 97.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 13 of 25
14

98. Paragraph 98 sets forth conclusions of law to which no response is

required. To the extent that a response is required, Bayer AG admits that, prior to August 8,

2001, Bayer AG manufactured cerivastatin sodium and that, prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer

Corporation sold Baycol® in the United States. Bayer AG denies that it violated any duty

relating to Baycol® or the manufacture and/or sale of Baycol®, as alleged in the Complaint.

Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the remaining allegations in paragraph 98, Bayer AG

is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of such allegations,

including the allegation that Bayer AG had any duty to Plaintiffs.

99. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the allegations of paragraph

99, Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of

such allegations.

100. Paragraph 100 sets forth conclusions of law to which no response is

required. To the extent that a response is required, Bayer AG denies that it violated any duty

relating to Baycol®, as alleged in the Complaint. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the

remaining allegations in paragraph 100, Bayer AG is without knowledge or information

sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of such allegations, including any allegation that Bayer

AG had any duty to Plaintiffs.

101. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 101, including subparts (a)

through (d).

102. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 102.

COUNT IV

103. In response to the allegations in paragraph 103, Bayer AG incorporates by

reference its responses to paragraphs 1 through 102 of the Complaint.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 14 of 25
15

104. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 104.

105. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 105.

106. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 106.

107. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 107.

COUNT V

108. In response to the allegations in paragraph 108, Bayer AG incorporates by

reference its responses to paragraphs 1 through 107 of the Complaint.

109. Paragraph 109 sets forth conclusions of law to which no response is

required. To the extent that a response is required, Bayer AG admits that Baycol® was intended

to be used to lower elevated plasma levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and

triglycerides, and to increase plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, in patients,

and that, prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer Corporation marketed, sold, distributed and promoted

Baycol® in the United States as safe for such use, according to prescribing information and

under the care of a physician or other health care provider. Bayer AG denies the remaining

allegations in paragraph 109.

110. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 110.

111. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 111.

112. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 112.

113. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 113.

COUNT VI

114. In response to the allegations in paragraph 114, Bayer AG incorporates by

reference its responses to paragraphs 1 through 113 of the Complaint.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 15 of 25
16

115. Paragraph 115 sets forth conclusions of law to which no response is

required. To the extent that a response is required, Bayer AG admits that, prior to August 8,

2001, Bayer Corporation marketed Baycol® in the United States as safe for use in accordance

with prescribing information and under the care of a physician or other health care provider.

Bayer AG denies the remaining allegations in paragraph 115.

116. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 116.

COUNT VII

117. In response to the allegations in paragraph 117, Bayer AG incorporates by

reference its responses to paragraphs 1 through 116 of the Complaint.

118. Paragraph 118 sets forth conclusions of law to which no response is

required. To the extent that a response is required, Bayer AG denies that it violated any law

relating to Baycol®. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the remaining allegations in

paragraph 118, Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to

the truth of such allegations, including any allegation that Bayer AG had any obligation to

Plaintiffs.

119. Paragraph 119 sets forth conclusions of law to which no response is

required. To the extent that a response is required, Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph

119.

120. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 120.

121. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 121.

122. Bayer AG denies the allegations in paragraph 122.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 16 of 25
17

COUNT VIII

123. In response to the allegations in paragraph 123, Bayer AG incorporates by

reference its responses to paragraphs 1 through 122 of the Complaint.

124. Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief

as to the truth of the allegations in paragraph 124.

125. Bayer AG is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief

as to the truth of the allegations in paragraph 125.

126. Bayer AG denies the allegations of paragraph 126.

COUNT IX

127. In response to the allegations in paragraph 127, Bayer AG incorporates by

reference its responses to paragraphs 1 through 126 of the Complaint.

128. Bayer AG denies the allegations of paragraph 128.

129. Bayer AG denies the allegations of paragraph 129.

130. Bayer AG denies the allegations in the Prayer for Relief. Bayer AG

denies that Plaintiffs are entitled to any relief whatsoever.

131. Bayer AG denies all allegations in the Complaint that relate or are directed

to Bayer AG unless those allegations are expressly admitted in this Answer.

ADDITIONAL DEFENSES

1. Plaintiffs' Complaint, and each and every count contained therein, fails to

state a cause of action or claim upon which relief can be granted against Bayer AG.

2. Some or all of Plaintiffs' claims are barred by the applicable statutes of

limitations and/or statutes of repose.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 17 of 25
18

3. Plaintiffs' claims against Bayer AG are barred, in whole or in part, by

laches, waiver and/or estoppel.

4. Plaintiffs' claims are barred, in whole or in part, by Plaintiffs' failure to

mitigate alleged damages.

5. If Plaintiffs sustained the injuries or incurred the expenses as alleged,

which is expressly denied, said injuries or expenses were directly and proximately caused by the

negligence or fault of parties other than Bayer AG, whether named or unnamed in Plaintiffs'

Complaint, over whom Bayer AG had no supervision or control and for whose actions and

omissions Bayer AG has no legal responsibility. Plaintiffs' recovery, if any, therefore should be

apportioned in accordance with the applicable law.

6. The injuries and damages claimed by Plaintiffs, if any, resulted from an

intervening or superseding cause and/or causes, and any act or omission on the part of Bayer AG

was not the proximate and/or competent producing cause of such alleged injuries and damages.

7. If Plaintiffs suffered injuries as alleged in the Complaint, which is

expressly denied, such injuries arose from, and were caused by, risks, hazards, and dangers

knowingly assumed by Plaintiffs. Plaintiffs' recovery accordingly is barred or should be reduced

by Plaintiffs' assumption of the risk.

8. Baycol® is a prescription pharmaceutical which was available only upon

the prescription of a licensed physician. The claims in the Complaint against Bayer AG

accordingly are barred in whole or in part by the learned intermediary doctrine.

9. Plaintiffs' recovery is barred and/or should be reduced under the

applicable law because of Plaintiffs' contributory negligence or fault and/or comparative

negligence or fault.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 18 of 25
19

10. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted

against Bayer AG in that the methods, standards, and techniques utilized with respect to the

design, manufacture, marketing and sale of the prescription drug Baycol®, including adequate

warnings and instructions with respect to the product’s use included in the product’s package

insert and other literature, conformed to the applicable state of the art, and the product was

designed, manufactured, marketed and sold in a reasonable and prudent manner based upon

available medical and scientific knowledge.

11. Plaintiffs' claims are barred as a matter of law pursuant to Restatement

(Second) of Torts § 402A, comment k.

12. The prescription drug Baycol® complied with the applicable product

safety regulations promulgated by the FDA. Compliance with such regulations demonstrates

that due care was exercised with respect to the design, manufacture, testing, marketing and sale

of this prescription drug, and that it was neither defective nor unreasonably dangerous.

13. Plaintiffs' claims are preempted, in whole or in part, by federal law

pursuant to the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution because of the federal

regulation of prescription drug manufacturing, testing, marketing, and labeling.

14. If Plaintiffs sustained the injuries or incurred the expenses as alleged,

which is expressly denied, said injuries or expenses were caused by the unforeseeable alteration,

improper handling, or other unforeseeable misuse of the prescription drug Baycol®.

15. Any claims by Plaintiffs relating to alleged communications with

regulatory agencies of the United States government are barred in whole or in part by operation

of applicable law, including First Amendment rights to petition the government.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 19 of 25
20

16. The alleged injuries and damages, if any, were the result of unavoidable

circumstances that could not have been prevented by any person, including Bayer AG.

17. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to state a claim against Bayer AG upon which

relief can be granted for several or joint and several liability.

18. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to join indispensable parties necessary for the

just adjudication of this matter.

19. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to state a claim against Bayer AG upon which

relief can be granted as to costs, attorneys’ fees, pre-judgment interest and post-judgment

interest.

20. Plaintiffs' claims are barred in whole or in part because the commercial

speech relating to Baycol® was not false or misleading and is protected under the First

Amendment of the United States Constitution and the applicable state constitution.

21. Plaintiffs' claims regarding warnings and labeling are barred in whole or in

part by the doctrine of primary jurisdiction, in that the FDA is charged under law with

determining the content of warnings and labeling for prescription drugs.

22. Plaintiffs cannot state a claim with regard to warnings and labeling for

prescription drugs because the remedy sought by Plaintiffs is subject to the exclusive regulation

of the FDA.

23. This court should abstain from adjudicating Plaintiffs' claims relating to

warnings and labeling in deference to the interpretation of regulations relating to prescription

drug labeling by the FDA.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 20 of 25
21

24. Upon information and belief, each item of economic loss alleged in the

Complaint was, or with reasonable certainty will be, replaced or indemnified in whole or in part

by collateral sources.

25. Plaintiffs did not detrimentally rely on any labeling, warnings or

information concerning Baycol®.

26. Plaintiffs' alleged injuries and damages, if any, were the result of an

idiosyncratic reaction which Bayer AG could not reasonably foresee.

27. Plaintiffs' claims for breach of warranty are barred because Plaintiffs

failed to give timely notice of any alleged breach of warranty.

28. Bayer AG did not sell or distribute the prescription drug Baycol® directly

to Plaintiffs, and Plaintiffs did not receive or rely upon any representations or warranties as

alleged in the Complaint. Plaintiffs' claims are barred by lack of privity between Plaintiffs and

Bayer AG.

29. Plaintiffs' claims for breach of warranty, express or implied, are barred by

the applicable provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code.

30. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted

under the Magnuson-Moss Act.

31. Plaintiffs' purported allegations of fraud, deceit, misrepresentation and

concealment do not comply with Rule 9(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

32. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to state a claim for fraud, deceit,

misrepresentation and/or concealment.

33. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to state a claim against Bayer AG upon which

relief can be granted for punitive or exemplary damages.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 21 of 25
22

34. Plaintiffs' claims for punitive or exemplary damages are barred under the

applicable state and federal law. Permitting recovery of punitive or exemplary damages in this

case would contravene Bayer AG’s constitutional rights as reserved by the Fifth, Seventh,

Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and other provisions of

the United States Constitution and the applicable state constitution.

35. Because of the lack of clear standards, the imposition of punitive or

exemplary damages against Bayer AG would be unconstitutionally vague and/or overbroad.

36. With respect to Plaintiffs' demand for punitive or exemplary damages,

Bayer AG specifically incorporates by reference any and all standards or limitations regarding

the determination and enforceability of punitive or exemplary damages awards under the

applicable state law.

37. No act or omission of Bayer AG was malicious, willful, wanton,

outrageous, or done with actual malice or done with bad motive and/or with a reckless

indifference to the interests of others, and Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to state a claim upon which

relief can be granted for punitive or exemplary damages. Plaintiffs' Complaint seeks damages in

excess of those permitted by law. Bayer AG asserts any statutory or judicial protection from

punitive or exemplary damages that is available under the applicable law, and any award of

punitive or exemplary damages is barred.

38. Plaintiffs' claims asserted under the United States Food Drug and

Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. §§ 301 et seq., and other statutes and regulations, fail because those

statutes and regulations do not contain or create any private cause of action.

39. Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted

for negligence per se.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 22 of 25
23

40. Under applicable state law, there exist no post-sale duties, including a

post-sale duty to warn, in the present circumstances. Accordingly, Plaintiffs' Complaint fails to

state a claim against Bayer AG upon which relief can be granted for alleged breach of post-sale

duties, including allegedly inadequate post-sale marketing or alleged post-sale duty to warn.

41. Plaintiffs’ claims may be barred in whole or in part by release.

42. Venue is improper.

43. This Court is not the proper forum and is not a convenient forum for the

adjudication of plaintiffs’ claims.

44. Bayer AG adopts and incorporates by reference all defenses pleaded by

other defendants except to the extent that they are inconsistent with Bayer AG’s defenses

pleaded in this Answer.

45. Bayer AG reserves the right to amend its answer and separate and

additional defenses to conform to such facts as may be revealed in discovery or otherwise.

WHEREFORE, Bayer AG prays that judgment be entered in its favor and

against Plaintiffs, and that it be awarded costs and such other and further relief as the Court

deems just and appropriate.

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 23 of 25
24

JURY TRIAL DEMAND

Bayer AG demands a trial by jury on all issues so triable.

ECKERT SEAMANS CHERIN & MELLOTT, LLC

Dated: October 10, 2002 By 

ALBERT G. BIXLER

CHARLES F. FORER

LESLIE A. HAYES

Attorneys for defendant Bayer AG

1515 Market Street, 9th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19102-1909

 215/851-8400

Of Counsel:

Philip S. Beck Douglas R. Marvin

Adam L. Hoeflich William R. Murray, Jr.

Andrew Goldman Allen P. Waxman

Tarek Ismail Williams & Connolly LLP

Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott 725 Twelfth Street, N.W.

54 West Hubbard Street, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20005-5901

Chicago, IL 60610 202/434-5000

312/494-4000

Sara J. Gourley

Susan A. Weber

Sidley Austin Brown & Wood

Bank One Plaza

10 South Dearborn Street

Chicago, IL 60603

312/853-7000

Richard K. Dandrea

Michael R. Borasky

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC

600 Grant Street, 44th Floor

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412/566-6000

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 24 of 25
25

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify that on this 10th day of October, 2002, the foregoing Answer and

Defenses of Defendant Bayer AG was served by U.S. first class mail upon the following counsel

of record:

Jerry Kristal, Esquire

Franklin P. Solomon, Esquire

Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C.

51 Haddonfield Road, Suite 160

Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Hope S. Freiwald, Esquire

Dechert

4000 Bell Atlantic Tower

1717 Arch Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103-2793

____________________________

Elizabeth S. Gallard, Esquire

M0375045.DOC

Case 2:02-cv-04274-RBS Document 10 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 25 of 25