Novartis Granted Summary Judgment in Aredia/Zometa Injury Case

PHOENIX — An Arizona federal judge has granted Novartis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NYSE: NVS) summary judgment in an Aredia/Zometa injury suit, finding the plaintiff’s doctors were adequately warned of the risks posed by the bisphosphonate drugs at the time they were prescribed.

In a July 2 ruling, Senior Judge James A. Teilborg of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona further observed that the plaintiff’s current oncologist continues to prescribe Zometa to myeloma patients.

John D'Agnese was treated with Aredia and Zometa for his multiple myeloma bone disease. He also received chemotherapy with corticosteroids, radiation treatments, and two stem …