JPML Asked to Centralize Actions Alleging Benzene in Acne Treatment Products

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Plaintiffs in lawsuits accusing manufacturers of acne treatment products containing benzoyl peroxide (BPO) of failing to warn that they may contain benzene have asked the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to create an MDL docket for the actions.

In a May 22 motion, movants argue that the 30 actions pending in 10 different judicial districts share common questions of fact and that centralization will avoid inconsistent rulings, eliminate duplicative discovery, and will conserve judicial resources.

“Even after initial legal issues, there are complex and common issues of science, where different courts can reach different conclusions,” the motion …