IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

 

:

MARY STEINHAUER and : CIVIL ACTION

ALBERT STEINHAUER, :

:

Plaintiffs, : NO. 02-CV-4257

:

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 CORPORATION

Defendant BAYER CORPORATION (“Bayer”) 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 is without

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

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

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

the truth of the allegations in paragraph 2.

3. Bayer admits that it is a corporation with its principal place of business at

100 Bayer Road, Pittsburgh, PA. Bayer denies the remaining allegations of paragraph 3.

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 1 of 24
2

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

place of business in Leverkusen, Germany. Bayer denies the remaining allegations in paragraph

4. For a further response, Bayer states that to the extent that the Complaint contains allegations

that are directed to Bayer AG by use of the term “defendants” or otherwise, no answer is

required by Bayer, and Bayer therefore makes no response in this Answer to the allegations that

are directed to Bayer AG.

5. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 5.

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

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

7. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 7.

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

English public limited company with its principal place of business in England. Bayer is without

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

in paragraph 8.

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

the truth of the allegations in paragraph 9.

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

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

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

remaining allegations in paragraph 10.

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

the truth of the allegations in paragraph 11.

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 2 of 24
3

12. Bayer 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 denies the remaining allegations in paragraph 12.

13. Bayer admits that Baycol®, a prescription medication also known as

cerivastatin sodium, was manufactured in Germany. Bayer denies the remaining allegations in

paragraph 13.

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

cerivastatin sodium in Germany and Bayer sold Baycol®, also known as cerivastatin sodium, in

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

paragraph 14, Bayer is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the

truth of such allegations.

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

the truth of the allegations in paragraph 15.

16. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 16.

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

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

allegations.

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

but Bayer denies that Plaintiffs is entitled to any relief. Bayer 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 denies that Plaintiffs

were injured as a result of ingestion of Baycol® as sold by Bayer. Bayer is without knowledge

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 3 of 24
4

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

18.

19. Bayer admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer 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 is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the

truth of such allegations.

20. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 20.

21. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 21.

22. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 22.

23. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 23.

24. Bayer admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, it 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 denies the remaining allegations in paragraph 24.

25. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 25.

26. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 26.

27. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 27.

28. Bayer admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer 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 admits

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 4 of 24
5

that it has promoted, marketed, distributed and/or sold certain prescription and non-prescription

drug products in Pennsylvania. Bayer denies that Bayer and SmithKline Beecham d/b/a

GlaxoSmithKline manufactured Baycol®. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 28 to the

extent that they relate to Bayer AG. Because of the vagueness and ambiguity of the remaining

allegations in paragraph 28, Bayer is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a

belief as to the truth of such allegations.

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

the truth of the allegations in paragraph 29.

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

the truth of the allegations in paragraph 30.

31. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 31.

32. Bayer 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 is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief regarding the truth

of the remaining allegations in paragraph 32.

33. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 33.

34. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 34.

35. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 35.

36. Bayer admits that in June 1997, the FDA approved Bayer’s application to

market Baycol® in the United States, that prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer 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 admits

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 5 of 24
6

that Bayer voluntarily withdrew Baycol® from the market in the United States on August 8,

2001. Bayer denies the remaining allegations in paragraph 36.

37. Bayer 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 denies

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

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

truth of such allegations.

38. Bayer 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 is

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

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

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

allegations.

40. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 40.

41. Bayer admits that it discontinued sampling of the 0.8 mg dose of Baycol®

through its sales representatives in 2001. Bayer denies the remaining allegations in paragraph

41.

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 6 of 24
7

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

regarding Bayer’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 denies those allegations. Because of the vagueness and

ambiguity of the remaining allegations in paragraph 42, Bayer is without knowledge or

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

43. Bayer 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 also admits that all

statins have been associated with reports of rhabdomyolysis. Bayer 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

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

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

44. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 44.

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

regarding Bayer’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 denies those allegations. Bayer admits that the symptoms

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 7 of 24
8

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 denies the remaining allegations in

paragraph 45.

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

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

allegations.

48. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 48.

49. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 49.

50. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 50.

51. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 51.

52. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 52.

53. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 53.

54. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 54.

55. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 55.

56. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 56.

57. Bayer 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

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 8 of 24
9

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

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

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

truth of such allegations.

59. Bayer admits that the FDA approved Bayer’s application to market a 0.4

mg dose of Baycol® in the United States in May 1999. Bayer denies the remaining allegations

in paragraph 59.

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

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

allegations.

61. Bayer 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 and certain written materials referred to in that letter. Those

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

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

documents, Bayer denies those allegations. Bayer denies the remaining allegations in paragraph

61.

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

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

allegations.

63. Bayer admits that the FDA approved Bayer’s application to market a 0.8

mg dose of Baycol® in the United States in July 2000. Bayer denies the remaining allegations in

paragraph 63.

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 9 of 24
10

64. Bayer admits that it 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 denies those allegations. Bayer denies the remaining allegations in paragraph 64.

65. Bayer 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, 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 denies those allegations. Bayer denies the remaining allegations in paragraph 65.

66. Bayer admits that, on August 8, 2001, Bayer voluntarily withdrew

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

paragraph 66.

67. Because Plaintiffs fail to identify the letter referenced in paragraph 67,

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

allegations in the first sentence in paragraph 67. Bayer denies the remaining allegations in

paragraph 67.

68. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 68.

69. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 69.

70. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 70.

71. Bayer 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,

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 10 of 24
11

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

allegations.

72. Bayer admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer promoted, marketed and

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

remaining allegations in paragraph 72, Bayer is without knowledge or information sufficient to

form a belief as to the truth of such allegations.

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

the truth of the allegations in paragraph 73.

74. Bayer 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 incorporates by

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

76. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 76.

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

required. To the extent that a response is required, Bayer denies the allegations of 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 denies the allegations of 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 denies the allegations of paragraph 79.

COUNT I

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

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

81. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 81.

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 11 of 24
12

82. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 82.

83. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 83.

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

through (i).

85. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 85.

COUNT II

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

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

denies the remaining allegations of paragraph 86.

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

through (l).

88. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 88.

89. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 89.

90. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 90.

91. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 91.

92. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 92.

COUNT III

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

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

94. Bayer admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer marketed, promoted,

distributed and sold Baycol® in the United States. Bayer also admits that, prior to August 8,

2001, Bayer AG manufactured and sold cerivastatin sodium. Bayer further admits that, prior to

August 8, 2001, SmithKline Beecham Corporation d/b/a GlaxoSmithKline participated in the

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 12 of 24
13

promotion of Baycol® in the United States. Bayer denies that Bayer, 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 is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of such

allegations. Bayer denies the remaining allegations in paragraph 94, including subparts (a)

through (g).

95. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 95.

96. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 96.

97. Bayer denies the allegations in paragraph 97.

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

required. To the extent that a response is required, Bayer admits that, prior to August 8, 2001,

Bayer sold Baycol® in the United States, and that, prior to August 8, 2001, Bayer AG

manufactured cerivastatin sodium. Bayer 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 is without knowledge or

information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of such allegations, including the allegation

that Bayer had any duty to Plaintiffs.

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

99, Bayer 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 denies that it violated any duty relating

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

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 13 of 24
14

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

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

to Plaintiffs.

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

through (d).

102. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 102.

COUNT IV

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

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

104. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 104.

105. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 105.

106. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 106.

107. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 107.

COUNT V

108. In response to the allegations in paragraph 108, Bayer 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 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 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

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 14 of 24
15

physician or other health care provider. Bayer denies the remaining allegations of paragraph

109.

110. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 110.

111. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 111.

112. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 112.

113. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 113.

COUNT VI

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

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

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

required. To the extent that a response is required, Bayer admits that, prior to August 8, 2001, it

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 denies the

remaining allegations of paragraph 115.

116. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 116.

COUNT VII

117. In response to the allegations in paragraph 117, Bayer 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 denies that it violated any law relating

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

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

allegations, including any allegation that Bayer had any obligation to Plaintiffs.

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 15 of 24
16

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

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

119.

120. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 120.

121. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 121.

122. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 122.

COUNT VIII

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

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

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

the truth of the allegations in paragraph 124.

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

the truth of the allegations in paragraph 125.

126. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 126.

COUNT IX

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

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

128. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 128.

129. Bayer denies the allegations of paragraph 129.

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

Plaintiffs are entitled to any relief whatsoever.

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

Bayer unless those allegations are expressly admitted in this Answer.

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 16 of 24
17

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.

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

limitations and/or statutes of repose.

3. Plaintiffs' claims against Bayer 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, whether named or unnamed in Plaintiffs'

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

Bayer 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 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.

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 17 of 24
18

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

the prescription of a licensed physician, and persons other than Bayer, including Plaintiffs'

treating physicians and health care personnel and institutions, stood in the position of learned

intermediary between Bayer and Plaintiffs. The claims in the Complaint against Bayer

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.

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

against Bayer 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.

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 18 of 24
19

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.

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.

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

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 19 of 24
20

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.

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 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 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.

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.

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 20 of 24
21

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 upon which relief

can be granted for punitive or exemplary damages.

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’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 would be unconstitutionally vague and/or overbroad.

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

Bayer 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 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 asserts any statutory or judicial protection from punitive or

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 21 of 24
22

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.

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 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 adopts and incorporates by reference all defenses pleaded by other

defendants except to the extent that they are inconsistent with Bayer’s defenses pleaded in this

Answer.

45. Bayer 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 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-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 22 of 24
23

JURY TRIAL DEMAND

Bayer 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 Corporation

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-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 23 of 24
24

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

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

Defenses of Defendant Bayer Corporation 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

____________________________

Albert G. Bixler, Esquire

M0373644.DOC

Case 2:02-cv-04257-RBS Document 9 Filed 10/10/2002 Page 24 of 24