No legal aid for epilepsy case

FAMILIES who blame an epilepsy drug for causing birth defects are to have legal aid to sue its maker withdrawn.

The Legal Services Commission said yesterday it was no longer funding an action against the makers of sodium valproate, used to prevent seizures.

About 80 families claim the drug - known as epilim - caused a range of birth defects, including spina bifida, damage to the heart and learning difficulties.

They have been pursuing a legal action for damages against manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis, claiming that there were inadequate warnings about the possible harm in the 1990s. The firm has denied the claims.