N.Y. Judge Denies Fosamax Plaintiff’s Request to Add Novartis as a Defendant

NEW YORK — A New York federal judge has refused to allow a Fosamax plaintiff to amend her complaint to add Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. as a defendant, finding her claims against the drug maker in relation to Zometa are time-barred.

On Aug. 13, Judge John F. Keenan of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York found the plaintiff should have been aware of her claims as early as October 2008.

Leanne Finlay sued Merck in Florida state court on behalf her deceased mother, Carolee Corley, who allegedly developed osteonecrosis of the jaw as a result of …