JPML Denies Request to Transfer, Consolidate Lipitor Actions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has refused to create a multidistrict litigation for cases brought against Pfizer Inc. in connection with its cholesterol drug Lipitor, ruling the five pending cases should be resolved via the regular litigation process.

In an Aug. 8 order, the JPML panel explained that although the actions share factual issues, almost half of them are pending in the District of South Carolina and involve common counsel. The South Carolina actions already are proceeding in a coordinated fashion before one judge, the panel noted, and Pfizer said it is willing to work with …