Michael Charlton, a physician who served as Madrigal Pharmaceuticals’ senior vice president and head of clinical development, has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the company of retaliating against him after he raised internal concerns about the safety of its approved medication for patients with MASH, a liver disease.
Charlton held the role from October 2024 until January 2026. His lawsuit was filed on Oct. 9 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and alleges violations of federal whistleblower-protection statutes. He is seeking reinstatement or monetary damages.
The lawsuit says Charlton was responsible for protecting the safety, scientific integrity and accuracy of clinical trials and disclosures supporting Madrigal’s flagship drug. It alleges the company punished him for carrying out that responsibility.
Sources: STAT News.