GSK PLC on Wednesday said that it has reached a confidential settlement in the Cantlay/Harper case, which alleged that the firm’s heartburn medication can cause cancer.

The case, which concerned GSK’s Zantac, was filed in California state court. It was due to begin trial on November 13, but will now be dismissed.

The drug has been a sticking point for the Brentford, UK-based pharmaceutical company in recent months, following numerous lawsuits allegedly linking the heartburn drug with cancer.

Recently in June, GSK reached a settlement with James Goetz, a claimant in Zantac litigation. The case that Goetz filed in California state court, which was set to begin in July and alleged links between the drug and cancer, was dismissed.

On Wednesday, GSK told investors that these settlements reflect a desire ‘to avoid the distraction related to protracted litigation’.

It noted: ‘GSK does not admit any liability in the settlements and will continue to vigorously defend itself based on the facts and the science in all other Zantac cases.

The firm added that it has settled three remaining breast cancer bellwether cases in California. The company will now be dismissed from these cases, removing all related pre-trial hearings.

GSK shares were trading 1.1% higher at 1,538.60 pence each in London on Wednesday morning.

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