BEAVER MAN FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST OXYCONTIN MAKER

Complaint says company is responsible for past, future medical treatment,
expenses The manufacturer of a highly controversial painkiller is being
sued by a Beaver resident.

Filed in the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's office is a complaint against
Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin. Chris Umberger of Airport Road
alleges the company manufactured and distributed the "dangerous and
defective" OxyContin, causing him addiction, mental and physical pain and
suffering.

OxyContin, produced in strengths of 10, 20, 40 and 80 milligrams, was
created for patients suffering from cancer and intractable pain such as
back problems. However, drug investigators say it is a popular street drug,
alongside heroin and cocaine.

Umberger contends in the complaint that Purdue Pharma created the
prescription with oxycodone, knowing it is one of the most dangerous and
abused drugs in the United States and that it has caused widespread deaths.
He also maintains the company manufactured the pills in "dangerously high
and deadly doses."

He further maintains Purdue Pharma "conspired and knowingly promoted and
sold OxyContin by enticing doctors to prescribe the drug using free airline
tickets, motel stays, vacations, seminars and other means without regard as
to the safety of the drug, and without warning these physicians as to the
true dangers it possessed."

While Purdue Pharma has reportedly worked with investigators to address the
abuse, Umberger says the company has "taken no steps to correct the
defective coating, nor have they warned the public as to the health risks
posed by this drug ..."

Umberger says in the suit the company is directly responsible for his
future and past medical treatment and expenses and is seeking compensatory
and punitive damages to be determined at a later date.

Representatives of Purdue Pharma could not be reached for comment.