MetabolifeSeeks Single Class Action Settlement

MetabolifeSeeks Single Class Action Settlement

SANDIEGOMetabolife International filed a proposedsettlement of class action in U.S. District Court in New York, asking the courtto approve a multimillion dollar deal to settle hundreds of pending lawsuitsregarding its sale of ephedra-based dietary supplements, including Metabolife356. Approximately 170 personal injury lawsuits filed against Metabolife infederal court have been consolidated in New York, while another 130 are pendingin state courts across the country; Metabolife has resolved more than 400 claimssince 1999, most of which were covered by insurance.

The plan proposed by Metabolife would provide up to $1.05million to each consumer represented in the pending federal and state lawsuits,although the consumers could also opt out and pursue separate court cases. Thesettlement would also cover future claims by injured consumers who have notfiled lawsuits.

According to court documents, Metabolife is proposing thesettlement to avoid going out of business under the financial burden of thelitigation. While Metabolife is confident it can expose the deficiencies ofthe cases, the cost of doing so in the hundreds of claims currently pendingthroughout the country threatens the very existence of Metabolife, the courtfiling read.

A copy of the court filing is available on the Metabolife Website (www.metabolife.com).