Tylenol MDL Judge Orders Deposition of Former McNeil President Vernon

PHILADELPHIA — The judge overseeing the Tylenol multidistrict litigation has ordered the deposition of McNeil’s former president, W. Anthony Vernon, finding his testimony concerning the company’s marketing activities is “clearly relevant” to the plaintiffs’ misbranding claims.

In the July 1, order, Judge Lawrence F. Stengel of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania further ruled that Vernon’s deposition is not barred by the “apex doctrine” because he was actively involved in decision making regarding the marketing and product development of Tylenol products while working for defendant McNeil-PPC.

As part of the Tylenol MDL, the Plaintiffs Steering Committee …