High-Stakes Trial Over Infant Formula Begins in Missouri

A Missouri mother is suing Abbott, Reckitt's Mead Johnson, and St. Louis Children's Hospital, claiming their formulas caused her premature son's severe intestinal illness. The trial is part of extensive litigation, with significant previous verdicts. Plaintiffs argue cow's milk-based formulas increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.

A high-stakes trial is set to begin in St. Louis, Missouri, with a Missouri mother and her lawyers aiming to prove that Abbott, Reckitt's Mead Johnson, and St. Louis Children's Hospital are responsible for a severe intestinal illness her premature son contracted from their formulas. Jury selection started Monday.

This trial is part of large-scale litigation that has already seen substantial verdicts: $60 million against Reckitt and $495 million against Abbott. Nearly 1,000 similar cases are pending nationwide. Plaintiffs claim cow's milk-based formulas, particularly for infants under 1,500 grams, significantly raise the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a condition with a fatality rate exceeding 20%.

Doctors express concern over losing access to these specialized formulas, despite evidence suggesting breast milk reduces NEC rates. Abbott and Reckitt maintain the lawsuit lacks evidential support and assert their products are crucial in neonatal intensive care. The companies are considering exiting the market due to litigation risks, causing alarm among healthcare professionals.

(With inputs from agencies.)