R.I. Federal Judge Denies Novartis’ Bid for Summary Judgment in Zometa Injury Action

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Rhode Island federal judge has denied Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.’s motion for summary judgment in a Zometa case, finding an issue of fact exists as to whether the plaintiff could have discovered the cause of her osteonecrosis of the jaw within the three-month limitations period for personal injury actions.

In a Sept. 18 order, Chief Judge William E. Smith of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island found it is not evident from the record that the plaintiff should have known by October 2006 she had a chronic condition that could result in disfigurement, …