Novartis May Present Evidence of Zometa’s Purported Off-Label Benefits, Fla. Judge Rules

ORLANDO, Fla. — A Florida federal judge has denied plaintiffs’ motion to bar Novartis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NYSE: NVS) from offering evidence at a scheduled trial as to the purported off-label benefits of Zometa, ruling that the drug’s off-label uses may be relevant.

On Aug. 16, Judge Gregory A. Presnell of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida also refused to exclude evidence concerning plaintiff Nancy Guenther’s alleged alcohol use, noting a question exists as to whether the alleged use could have caused some of her dental problems.

Guenther was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 1999 while …