MDL Judge Permits Stem Cell Testimony at Upcoming Taxotere Trial

NEW ORLEANS — Defense experts may testify as to stem cell testing at the first Taxotere bellwether trial because, while they are not stem cell experts, they have specialized knowledge that would assist a trier of fact, a Louisiana federal judge has ruled.

In an Aug. 29 order, Judge Jane T. Milazzo of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana further ruled that the experts’ opinions are reliable, noting the plaintiff’s own expert credited their stem cell theory.

Trial in the action is set to begin on Sept. 16. Plaintiff Barbara Earnest alleges Sanofi S.A. and …