May 7, 2013 (San Diego, CA) – Robbins LLP announces that the firm filed a federal securities fraud class action complaint on May 7, 2013, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired Star Scientific stock between October 31, 2011 and March 18, 2013, inclusive (the “Class Period”), against the company and certain of its officers and directors for violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Star Scientific and its operating subsidiaries manufacture, distribute, and sell consumer products and dietary supplements.
Star Scientific Accused of Making False and Misleading Statements Concerning the Company’s Business and Operations
The complaint alleges that defendants made materially false and misleading statements during the Class Period in press releases, analyst conference calls, and filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Specifically, the complaint alleges that Star Scientific misled investors about the true nature and extent of Johns Hopkins University’s (“Johns Hopkins”) involvement in the clinical testing of the company’s nutritional supplement, Anatabine; concealed the true nature and extent of its liquidity condition; engaged in improper private placement and related-party transactions since at least 2006; and delayed disclosure of the fact that the company had received subpoenas from the U.S. Attorney’s office investigating potential securities fraud.
As a result of defendants’ false statements, Star Scientific’s stock traded at artificially inflated prices during the Class Period, reaching a high of $4.99 per share on July 3, 2012.
Star Scientific’s Stock Price Drops on News of False Statements and Federal Government Investigation
On January 23, 2013, The Street issued an article entitled “Star Scientific’s Made-Up, Misleading Relationship with Johns Hopkins” stating that Star Scientific misled investors concerning Johns Hopkins’ involvement in the clinical testing of Anatabine. On this news, Star Scientific’s stock price dropped $0.31 per share to close at $2.33 per share—a one-day decline of nearly 12% on volume of 6.1 million shares.
On March 18, 2013, Star Scientific filed its annual report with the SEC for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. In the annual report, the company disclosed for the first time that it was being investigated by the federal government. On this news, Star Scientific’s stock price dropped another $0.34 per share to close at $1.64 per share—a one-day decline of 17%.
Overall, after these revelations reached the market, Star Scientific’s share price declined a total of 67% from the Class Period high.
If you purchased or otherwise acquired Star Scientific stock during the Class Period and wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must act no later than May 24, 2013. To discuss your shareholder rights, please contact attorney Darnell R. Donahue at (800) 350-6003 or you can complete the form below and we will contact you directly.
Robbins LLP represents individual and institutional shareholders in derivative, direct, and class action lawsuits. The law firm’s skilled litigation teams include former federal prosecutors, former defense counsel from top multinational corporate law firms, and career shareholder rights attorneys. Robbins LLP has helped its clients realize more than $1 billion of value for themselves and the companies in which they have invested.
If you have concerns about mismanagement or fraud at a company you are invested in Robbins LLP is here to answer any questions. If you would like to speak with a Robbins LLP Shareholder Rights attorney, please fill out the form below.
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