Abbott’s Formula Verdict: A $495 Million Case Over Premature Infant Disease

A jury ruled that Abbott Laboratories' formula for premature infants caused an Illinois girl to develop a dangerous bowel disease, awarding $495 million in damages. The case highlighted claims that the formula could cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Abbott plans to appeal, emphasizing the necessity of such formulas for preterm infants.

A jury in Missouri ordered Abbott Laboratories to pay $495 million after finding that its specialized formula for premature infants led an Illinois girl to develop necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This verdict marks the first trial among hundreds of similar claims nationwide.

Illinois resident Margo Gill accused Abbott of failing to warn parents about the formula's risks. The jury awarded $95 million in compensatory damages and $400 million in punitive damages, though the verdict was not unanimous, backed by 9 of 12 jurors.

Abbott's spokesman Scott Stoffel defended the company, underscoring the necessity of such formulas for premature infants. Close to 1,000 lawsuits have been filed against Abbott and competitor Reckitt Benckiser, with ongoing debates about the formulas' safety and warnings. The NEC Society and investors continue to react strongly to the legal proceedings.

(With inputs from agencies.)