Novartis Defends Zelnorm Cardiovascular Safety Lawsuits

In 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requested that Novartis suspend marketing of its gastrointestinal drug Zelnorm amid possible questions with respect to cardiovascular safety data. Our drug and device product liability team served as national counsel to defend Novartis in the numerous products liability lawsuits brought following suspension, where plaintiffs claimed the drug caused heart attacks or strokes. Working with leading experts in epidemiology and hematology, the team disproved the plaintiffs' theory that the drug affected platelets. The cases settled favorably after the deposition of the author of the case report that launched the litigation.