JPML Creates MDL in Pennsylvania for Federal Effexor Birth Defect Cases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has ordered transfer of all federal Effexor and Effexor XR birth defect cases to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings.

According to the Aug. 6 order, Judge Cynthia M. Rufe will oversee the MDL proceedings.

The suits accuse Pfizer Inc. and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc. failed to inform the Food and Drug Administration, doctors and patients that Effexor could cause serious birth defects if ingested during pregnancy.

In their motion for transfer, plaintiffs asserted that all pending actions involve common questions of …