N.J. Federal Court Finds DePuy RP Knee Implant Claims Preempted

NEWARK, N.J. — A New Jersey federal judge has ruled that product liability claims brought against DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. (NYSE: JNJ) by the recipient of an “RP Knee” device are preempted by the Medical Device Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Judge Joel A. Pisano of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey granted DePuy’s motion in an unpublished opinion March 18, while also denying plaintiff Michael A. Smith’s cross-motion for a continuance or for leave to amend as futile.

“After reviewing the parties’ papers and hearing oral argument on January 30, 2013, this …