Motions for Summary Judgment Denied in Aredia/Zometa ONJ Case

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Missouri federal judge has denied cross-motions for summary judgment in an Aredia/Zometa case, finding issues of fact as to whether Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. adequately warned the decedent's oncologist of the associated risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Winter v. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., No. 06-4049 (W.D. Mo.).

On Oct. 20, Judge Nanette K. Laughrey of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri further ruled that an issue of fact exists as to whether Novartis had a duty to warn the decedent's dentist of the risk, even though he never prescribed the drugs.

As …