BOSTON (AP) — A compensation fund for victims of a nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak blamed on a tainted steroid has grown to $210 million.
The 2012 outbreak killed 64 people and sickened more than 750 in 20 states. They were given an injected steroid produced by now-bankrupt New England Compounding Center of Framingham, Massachusetts.
Originally, more than $100 million was set aside for victims. The fund grew in December.
The Boston Globe (http://bit.ly/1wOEiTk ) reports that recent court documents show $70 million more in settlements from two companies that did business with the pharmacy.
The settlements must be agreed to by people seeking compensation and a bankruptcy judge. Lawyers told the Globe that payments from the fund could start later this year.
Two former New England Compounding executives pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. Twelve others also face charges.
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Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.bostonglobe.com
