Roche Moves for Summary Judgment in Accutane Suicide Case

TAMPA, Fla. - Hoffmann-La Roche recently moved for summary judgment in a case involving an alleged Accutane-related suicide, claiming that it could not be found liable under the learned intermediary doctrine. Julia Bishop, et al., v. Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc. et al., No. 02-CV-1533-T-30-TBM (M.D. Fla., Tampa Div.).

The manufacturer's Jan. 8 motion stated that the warning accompanying Accutane was adequate because it discussed the possibility of side effects such as depression or suicidal behavior. The company also argued that the prescribing physician testified in her deposition that she was aware of these risks when he prescribed the drug.

Plaintiffs Julia …