Pfizer Not Liable for Injuries Allegedly Caused by Generic Zoloft, N.Y. Judge Rules

NEW YORK — Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) is not liable for birth defects allegedly caused by generic Zoloft because it did not manufacture the drug and did nothing to put it in the hands of the plaintiff, a New York state judge has ruled in addressing this issue of first impression.

In an Oct. 8 order, Judge Carol E. Huff of the New York County Supreme Court explained that Pfizer’s duty “should not extend to products and labeling over which it has no control, even if those products and labels mirror its own.”

While pregnant, Torrie Weese was prescribed and …