JPML Denies Plaintiffs’ Request to Consolidate Mirena Levonorgestrel-Release Cases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has denied plaintiffs’ request to centralize nine actions against Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. alleging that the birth control device Mirena can cause increased pressure on the brain as a result of cerebrospinal fluid build-up.

In an Aug. 12 order, the panel explained that several factors weigh against centralization, including the fact that a single plaintiffs’ counsel filed all nine actions and name the same defendant, which has Bayer’s counsel coordinating its response to this litigation.

“Defendant represents that it stands ready and willing to share any overlapping discovery upon entry …