A one-of-a-kind law in Michigan that prevents the state government and residents from suing pharmaceutical companies over injuries caused by their medicines is poised to be pared back.
A bill designed to allow product liability lawsuits to be filed against drug companies passed the Michigan Senate last month and then passed the House last week. The legislation, which won overwhelming majorities in both chambers but was opposed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and a pharmaceutical industry trade group, now goes to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The move comes after years of efforts to roll back a law the state adopted in 1995 to keep a large manufacturer, Upjohn, in Kalamazoo, Mich. The company, which was later purchased by Pfizer, has been a key employer in the state, but the law meant Michigan stood apart from other states, where companies can face product liability lawsuits by state and local governments, and residents.