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

TAMPA, Fla. — At an upcoming Zometa trial, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. (NYSE:NVS) may present evidence of the drug’s off-label benefits and may argue that it does not cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, a Florida federal judge has ruled, finding that such evidence and argument is not prejudicial.

On Sept. 20, Judge Susan C. Bucklew of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida also ruled that Novartis may present evidence that the plaintiffs’ damages may be offset by Zometa’s benefits. Plaintiffs failed to explain why delaying the risk of skeletal-related events would not be a “special benefit” of …