AL. Supreme Court ruling on generic drugs worrisome

Business groups aren't buying into the Alabama Supreme Court's attempt to limit the fallout from a decision involving drug warning labels. Critics say the all-Republican court has set the stage for what could be a flood of innovative lawsuits trying to hold companies responsible for actions taken by others. The court released the decision on Aug. 15. It said brand-name drugmakers can be held liable for warnings on generic medication produced by other companies. A majority six justices signed off on an opinion that went to lengths to say the ruling shouldn't be felt outside of the pharmaceutical industry. Lawyers for the south Alabama couple who sued over a generic medication agree the decision will have a limited impact. Opponents say the ruling is a "radical" change in state law.