Vaccine maker asks Mo. court to reject $8.5M award

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A vaccine maker wants the Missouri Supreme Court to reject an $8.5 million verdict for a St. Louis man who contracted polio after being vaccinated as an infant.

Cortez Strong got polio in 1987 and has limited use of his left arm and right hand. In 2005, a jury awarded Strong money for pain and suffering and future lost earnings.

Strong contends American Cyanamid Co. didn't properly test his polio vaccine.

But attorneys for American Cyanamid argued Thursday that the company complied with federal regulations. They say Strong never proved potential testing problems caused the infection. The company wants the state high court toss out the damage award or at least reduce it.

New Jersey-based Wyeth bought American Cyanamid in 1994.