BOSTON (CBS) – The Framingham pharmacy blamed for 39 deaths and 620 illnesses has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

In the filing, New England Compounding Center seeks to establish a fund to compensate individuals and families affected by the nationwide meningitis outbreak.

Hundreds of the cases were caused by a rare form of fungal meningitis, which causes inflammation on the lining of the brain and spinal cord.

Keith D. Lowey, who has been named Independent Director and Chief Restructuring Officer of NECC, released a statement Friday evening.

“Many families across the U.S. have been impacted by this great tragedy, and it is difficult to comprehend the sense of loss so many people have experienced,” Lowey said. “We recognize the need to compensate those affected by the meningitis outbreak fairly and appropriately.”

NECC suspended operations in October, shortly after the outbreak.