Judge Dismisses Lipitor RICO Claims Brought Against Pfizer

NEW YORK - An action brought by a group of third-party payors who accuse Pfizer Inc. of fraudulently marketing its cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor was dismissed by a New York federal judge for lack of standing. Southern Illinois Laborers' and Employers Health and Welfare Fund, et al. v. Pfizer Inc., No. 08-5175 (S.D. N.Y.).

Judge Kimba M. Wood of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled Sept. 30 that the plaintiffs failed to adequately allege that Pfizer's conduct caused their injuries. However, the judge granted the plaintiffs leave to amend a majority of their claims.

The …