Lawsuits Filed Against Andro Makers 32104

Lawsuits Filed Against Andro Makers

TAMPA, Fla.--Attorneys here and in five otherstates in late July filed suit against several manufacturers, alleging theyfalsely marketed androstenedione (andro) as an alternative to anabolic steroids.It was reported by CNN (www.cnn.com) thatlawsuits have been filed in circuit courts in California, Colorado, Florida, NewJersey, New York and Pennsylvania, and that a seventh suit was expected to befiled in Illinois. The attorneys are seeking class-action status for thelawsuits.

Vincent Lynch, plaintiffs' co-counsel, told CNN that thecompanies are in a difficult situation. "We believe the makers and sellersof andro are caught in a catch-22," he told CNN. "If andro works, theyare criminally liable, and if andro doesn't work, they are liable for civildamages." CNN's report also noted that "it is not illegal to sellandrostenedione, and it is considered a dietary supplement, which the Food andDrug Administration does not regulate."