33 states share in $62 million Zyprexa case settlement

The New York Times reported that the $62 million dollar settlement of the claim against Eli Lilley for improperly marketing the drug for off-label uses will go to 33 states.  Zyprexa was approved for treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder by the FDA, but was illegally marketed and recommended by Lilley to doctors for treatment of unrelated --and unapproved--disorders.  The brain tranquilizer suppressed hallucinations in the legally-targeted population, but causes marked weight gain and increased blood sugar, and was not appropriate for treatment of patients with mild forms of bipolar disorder or dementia, for example.  Analysts believe this settlement may mean a deal is near in the federal criminal and civil investigation arising out of the same practices.