Goodwin

CHARLESTON - National litigation over heart medicine Digitek ended Sept. 1 as lawyers advised U.S. District Judge Joseph Goodwin they settled all claims.

Goodwin signed an order granting himself authority to preside over their agreement. He scheduled its execution for Oct. 15.

Since 2008, Goodwin has presided over Digitek suits from around the nation by appointment of the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multi District Litigation.

Plaintiffs sought damages from manufacturer Actavis Totowa and distributor Mylan Pharmaceuticals for personal injuries and economic losses.

Litigation started after the Food and Drug Administration recalled a batch of pills from a plant in New Jersey, fearing some pills carried a double dose.

Defendants took steam out of the litigation last year, when they reported to Goodwin that some lawyers sued without looking at medical records.

Dozens of plaintiffs dismissed suits without any compensation.

Goodwin took steam out of the litigation this year by denying a class action for plaintiffs claiming economic losses.

The agreement provides for resolution of Digitek cases in state courts.