Cross-Jurisdictional Tolling Does Not Apply to Aredia Suit, R.I. Judge Rules

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Rhode Island federal judge has adopted a magistrate judge’s findings that a suit filed against Novartis Pharmaceuticals Inc. in connection with Aredia is not saved by cross-jurisdictional tolling.

On Dec. 19, Chief Judge Mary M. Lisi of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island found the plaintiff failed to adequately show that Massachusetts courts would recognize cross-jurisdictional tolling. The judge further held that the Massachusetts savings statute does not save the plaintiffs’ claims because the 2009 complaint was dismissed on the merits.

Wayne Patterson, as administrator of M. Margaret Patterson’s estate, sued Novartis …