Judge Grants Drug Makers' Motion to Sever Reglan Claims

ALEXANDRIA, La. - A Louisiana federal judge has severed Reglan/metoclapramid injury claims brought against three drug makers on the basis that each plaintiff has an individualized claim requiring largely different witnesses and evidence. Guilbeau, et al. v. Wyeth Inc., No. 09-1652 (W.D. La.).

On May 28, Judge Tucker L. Melancon of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana ruled that joining the plaintiffs would likely confuse the jury and severance would avoid undue prejudice.

"Although severing the claims will result in a greater number of trials, severance will allow the Court to better manage and resolve the …