The News Journal

Astra CEO in London trial will take stand

AstraZeneca faces 8,440 cases over Seroquel risks
By Andrew Eder
June 20, 2008

The chief executive of AstraZeneca is set to be deposed today
regarding allegations the company hid the risk that its anti-psychotic
drug Seroquel could cause diabetes in users.

David Brennan, who led AstraZeneca's U.S. unit in Fairfax before being
appointed CEO of the London-based drug maker in 2006, will answer
questions in London from attorneys representing thousands of
plaintiffs across the Unites States.

"A lot of very good people have been severely injured for the rest of
their life because of the conduct of this company and the effect of
this drug," said attorney Paul Pennock of the New York firm Weitz &
Luxenberg, which is handling about 2,500 Seroquel cases in federal and
state courts.