Mo. Federal Judge Remands Risperdal Action, Finds No Fraudulent Misjoinder

ST. LOUIS — A Missouri federal judge has remanded a Risperdal action to state court, finding the nondiverse plaintiffs’ claims were not fraudulently misjoined because the complaint raises common questions of law or fact regarding injuries alleged from use of the drug.

On May 4, Judge Carol E. Jackson of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri further held that because the allegations relate to defendants’ design, manufacture, testing, and promotion of the drug, their claims arise from the same transaction or occurrence.

In January, 64 plaintiffs from 30 states sued Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. and its parent, …