Several people filed federal lawsuits against AstraZeneca here yesterday, claiming that the anti-psychotic drug Seroquel was marketed improperly and can lead to diabetes.

Seroquel was initially approved to treat schizophrenia but is now used, according to the lawsuits, for off-label uses, like depression, insomnia and autism.

The lawsuits claim negligence, fraud and intentional misrepresentation.

"The marketing and promotion efforts of AstraZeneca, through its advertisers and sales force, overstated the benefits of Seroquel and minimized, downplayed and concealed the risks associated with this drug," the lawsuits contend.

Five such lawsuits were filed by Specter, Specter, Evans & Manogue.