Judge Refuses to Dismiss Humira Claims Against Abbott Labs

SAN FRANCISCO - A California federal judge has refused to dismiss negligence and strict liability claims brought against Abbott Laboratories in a Humira wrongful death suit, ruling that the claims were adequately pleaded. Wendell, et ux. v. Johnson & Johnson, et al., No. C 09-04124 (N.D. Calif.).

In a June 14 order, Judge Claudia Wilken of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California also granted the other drug makers' motion for judgment on the pleadings, ruling that the allegations against them did not specify any tortious conduct.

Stephen and Lisa Wendell sued Abbott, Johnson & Johnson Inc., …