This is a tragedy! As an anesthesiologist who uses propofol every single day, I cannot imagine what would be an acceptable substitute. That lawsuit against Teva and Baxter is ludicrous and I hope they are appealing the verdict. It has long been known that propofol requires specific handling to ensure it's safety. Some unscrupulous physicians cut corners by reusing contaminated supplies or others who use the drug without training are going cost physicians, and most importantly patients, a safe, and extremely well tolerated drug. I hope the US government/FDA steps up here.

Perhaps some of the drug could be saved if it was decided to forgo future administration of anesthetics of any type to prosecuting attorneys.

This is a travesty that these manufacters are being wrongfully blamed, These patients were infected by cross contamination which is clearly the fault of the healthcare professional, they obviously reused needles!!! People want to know why meds are so expensive? You can thank malpractice lawyers. If only sterile needles are inserted into the vial it would be impossible to spread the infection!!!!

Yup. Hopefully the case gets thrown out. If you dip a needle from a HIV+ patient into tap water and prick another patient and give them HIV, you can sue the water company while you're at it!

Pity other companies won't enter the market. Perhaps the shortage and subsequent price hike will make it look more profitable?