Merck Wins Summary Judgment in Second Federal Bellwether Case Involving FOSAMAX® (alendronate sodium)
WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., November 23, 2009 - Merck said today that U.S. District Court Judge John F. Keenan granted summary judgment in Merck's favor in Flemings v. Merck. Flemings is the second of three cases involving FOSAMAX (alendronate sodium) designated by the federal MDL court as a bellwether trial case.
In granting summary judgment in Flemings and dismissing all of the plaintiff's claims, Judge Keenan ruled that the physician relied upon by Ms. Flemings (Dr. Rose) was unqualified to render an opinion and that Ms. Flemings failed to present sufficient evidence to support her contention that FOSAMAX caused her to sustain osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).
"It is clear that Dr. Rose's opinion is derived from a 'subjective belief' rather than from scientific knowledge and methodologies," wrote Judge Keenan. "Dr. Rose is not qualified as an expert under Rule 702 and his opinion is inadmissible under Daubert. Plaintiff has offered no other evidence to establish that FOSAMAX caused her to develop ONJ, and therefore her failure to warn claim is insufficient as a matter of law."
"We are pleased that the Court agreed with us that Ms. Flemings did not present any reliable evidence supporting her claim that FOSAMAX caused her to suffer ONJ," said Paul Strain of Venable LLP, outside counsel for Merck. "Unfortunately, Ms. Flemings had medical problems that cause people to develop jaw problems regardless of whether they were taking FOSAMAX."
Merck is represented in the Flemings case by Venable LLP and Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP.
Status of Litigation
As of September 30, 2009, approximately 953 cases, which include approximately 1334 plaintiff groups had been filed and were pending against Merck in either federal or state court.
The first MDL bellwether case -- Boles v. Merck - previously resulted in a mistrial after several days of jury deliberations because the eight person jury did not reach a unanimous verdict. Merck has filed a pending post-trial motion in Boles asking Judge Keenan to enter judgment in Merck's favor. Boles was plaintiffs' top choice for bellwether designation and Judge Keenan selected randomly Flemings.
The third MDL bellwether case, Maley v. Merck, which was chosen by Merck, is currently scheduled to begin on April 19, 2010.
About FOSAMAX
FOSAMAX is indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. FOSAMAX should not be used in patients with certain disorders of the esophagus that delay emptying, who are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes, who have low levels of calcium in their blood, or in patients who are allergic to FOSAMAX. Some patients may develop severe digestive reactions including irritation, inflammation or ulceration of the esophagus. Patients who experience new or worsening heartburn, difficulty or pain when swallowing or chest pain should stop taking the drug and call their doctor right away. Patients who develop severe bone, joint and/or muscle pain at any time should contact their doctor.
About Merck
Today's Merck is working to help the world be well. Through our medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer and animal products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching programs that donate and deliver our products to the people who need them. Merck. Be Well. For more information, visit www.merck.com.
Forward Looking Statement
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FOSAMAX® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA