A Johnson & Johnson subsidiary says it will vigorously defend itself against a West Virginia lawsuit accusing the companies of mispresenting the risks of a surgical mesh used to treat pelvic conditions in women.
Ethicon spokeswoman Mindy Tinsley issued a statement Wednesday saying the company acted appropriately in its research, development and marketing of its medical implants.
Attorney General Patrick Morrisey filed a consumer protection suit against the companies Wednesday in Monongalia County. He says they pumped out misleading information about the mesh, sometimes using studies written by paid consultants.
Washington, California, Kentucky and Mississippi have filed similar suits against Johnson & Johnson.
The federal Food and Drug Administration stopped sales of the mesh in April after years of injury reports as well as tens of thousands of lawsuits involving the devices.
