Novartis Denied Summary Judgment in Aredia/Zometa ONJ Case

GREENSBORO, N.C. - A North Carolina federal judge has denied Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.'s motion for summary judgment on Aredia/Zometa injury claims, finding issues of fact as to whether the treating doctor would have prescribed the drugs had she known of the alleged risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Fussman v. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., No. 06-149 (M.D. N.C.).

On Oct. 18, Judge James A. Beaty of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina also found an issue of fact as to whether the patient would have taken the drug had she known she could contract ONJ.

Herbert …