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Features

'Megabankruptcies': Changes On the Way?

Anthony Michael Sabino & Mary Jane Sabino

Across the nation, readers of this publication are plagued daily with myriad problems associated with "megabankruptcies" and complex reorganization cases, and sometimes with Chapter 11s that are just large enough to be cumbersome and unwieldy, but too important and/or lucrative to pass up. Notwithstanding what is generally the statutory clarity of the Bankruptcy Code, many of the solutions to these nettlesome issues have evolved on an ad hoc basis, and are often the creatures of local customs and practice, if not the rules and procedures of individual judges. Putting aside the natural peaks and valleys of Chapter 11 filings, these issues persist, no matter the economic climate.

Class-Action Limitation Bill Fails on Senate Floor

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

On a procedural vote on July 8, the U.S. Senate declined to move forward a bill that would have limited the use of class-action lawsuits. Although the Class Action Fairness Act reportedly had the support of at least the 60 Senators needed to take up the bill, efforts by some to attach unrelated provisions to it led to its doom.

News from the FDA

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Agency news you need to know.

Reducing Frivolous Litigation

Michael R. McDonald, Kim M. Catullo & Michelle M. Bufano

Frivolous lawsuits are one of the most problematic issues facing drug and medical device companies today. Many frivolous lawsuits are either ultimately dismissed for lack of causation after years of litigation and the expenditure of exorbitant sums of money in defense costs, or settled by corporations that are not culpable, but "litigation-weary." This waste of time and resources easily could be avoided if plaintiffs were required to submit an affidavit of merit with respect to product defect and/or causation at the inception of the case. Part One of a Two-Part Article.

Features

Clinical Trial Transparency

Janice G. Inman

There's a newly urgent push from outside the pharmaceutical research and development community to get drug firms to disclose the results of all tests conducted on new drugs, even those that don't lead to the marketing of new medications.

Case Briefing

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Recent rulings of interest to you and your practice.

Features

Rogue Online Drugstores

Vivian Quinn & Jacob Herstek

In last month's newsletter, we looked at the problems posed by online pharmaceutical distributors that do not follow good pharmacy practice. These "rogue" pharmaceutical sites may be buying expired, substandard, contaminated or counterfeited products. Some sell without requiring customers to present prescriptions. The consumer may not be receiving proper medical oversight, which can result in administration of incorrect dosages, wrong or contraindicated drugs, or medication without adequate directions for use. These activities risk the reputations of pharmaceutical manufacturers and put them in greater peril of being sued by consumers whose adverse medical reactions could have been avoided. So, what can be done about it? Part Two of a Two-Part Article.

Features

In the Spotlight: Don't Leave 'Air Quality' Out of the Lease

William Crowe

Air quality standards are frequently not satisfactorily addressed in leases, if they are addressed at all. Most sophisticated office leases will require a landlord to provide certain temperature and humidity levels during specified times. A typical clause provides that the landlord will provide HVAC service from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and perhaps from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Sometimes the actual dry and wet bulb temperature and humidity levels will be specified, and in other instances the lease will simply provide that temperature and humidity levels will be in accordance with first-class standards. These provisions, however, do not address air quality, including cooking odors or exhaust fumes which may infiltrate the building's air system and end up in a tenant's space.

Features

The Leasing Hotline

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Highlights of the latest commercial leasing cases from around the country.

'Use Clauses' and the Bankruptcy Code: A Cautionary Tale

James A. Vidmar, Jr.

The recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Trak Auto Corporation ("Trak Auto"), the retail auto parts chain, has yielded a reported decision of the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals that offers some insights for landlords on how "use clauses" in leases will be put under the bankruptcy microscope. <i>In re Trak Auto Corporation</i>, 42 B.R. 255 (4th Cir. 2004).

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