Associated Press reports that there is an ongoing class-action lawsuit that was filed by two California plaintiffs in 2018 after discovering that their bone and kidney injuries were directly related to their long-term use of the prescription drug Truvada. Truvada contains the active ingredient, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), which studies have shown to cause kidney damage and bone loss.
Truvada’s manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, Inc., is denying and defending its claims that Truvada and TDF drugs are safe for human consumption.
Florida residents who believe their diagnosis is caused by Truvada or other TDF drugs have the option of filing a compensation claim after the lawsuit settles or by pursuing an independent civil suit in the Sunshine State. Where and how you choose to file carries legal implications in either situation. Therefore, specific questions regarding how to proceed with the Truvada lawsuit against Gilead should be discussed with a Florida personal injury lawyer.
A Timeline of Gilead Sciences’ Development of TDF Drugs
The first generation of TDF drugs manufactured by Gilead Sciences was FDA-approved in 2001 and marketed under the brand name, Viread. Viread was the first medicine of its kind that was used to prevent the cellular synthesis process in patients with HIV, AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and influenza.
Thereafter, the biopharmaceutical company began to develop prescription drugs that were medically significant. The Washington Post reports that Truvada was FDA-approved in 2004 and was the first medication that could be used as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment to prevent non-HIV positive individuals from contracting the disease who were at high risk for exposure.
Gilead Sciences continued to release three more iterations of TDF drugs through 2012 that were marketed under the brand names Atripla, Complera, and Stribild.
Allegations in the Truvada Lawsuit Against Gilead
According to the class-action petition filed, the lead plaintiffs, and others similarly situated, allege that Gilead Sciences knew of the inherent dangers associated with the use of Truvada and other TDF drugs, yet failed to meet their duty of care by keeping silent.
Gilead Sciences denies this accusation.
However, the plaintiffs’ claims are further supported by the fact that Gilead Sciences developed a safer yet equally effective antiretroviral (AR) medication containing the active ingredient, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), but did not attempt to bring it to market in favor of profit.
Gilead Sciences holds a patent on TDF drugs through 2021. Until then, competitors are barred from manufacturing and selling them. If they released the TAF formulation before the TDF patent had run out, it would have eclipsed Truvada drug sales, which are estimated to be $3 billion annually.
Instead, it appears they wanted to wait until the existing TDF patents expired before they introduced the newer and less-toxic version of AR drugs.
TDF Is Known to Cause Bone and Kidney Damage
Researchers and engineers have published studies on the effects of TDF on the human body for more than a decade. And their findings are being strengthened further after hundreds of patients have come forward with diagnoses related to bone and kidney damage.
Their chief health complaints include:
- Kidney failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Osteopenia
- Osteoporosis
- Lactic acidosis
There are several other types of bone and kidney injuries that Truvada victims are experiencing. They can be significant and life-changing. Treatments for these conditions can be extensive. Individuals, who took Truvada, should discuss health concerns with a physician to determine whether or not TDF drugs are responsible for their issues.
Legal Compensation Is Available to Truvada Injury Victims in Florida
There is legal compensation available for individuals whose health was impacted after taking Truvada and other TDF drugs. Speaking with a Florida personal injury lawyer is the most practical way of discovering what your legal options are under experienced and trusted advice.
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Helps Clients Injured by Truvada
If you suspect that Truvada played a role in your bone or kidney injuries, contacting the legal team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers will provide you with the legal insight about the Truvada lawsuit against Gilead you need to move forward. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling (855) 529-0269 today.
