First PPA Verdict in Pa. Goes to Defense

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia jury found April 2 that a woman's use of Contac 12-Hour, an over-the-counter cold remedy manufactured by SmithKline Beecham Corp., did not cause her to suffer a stroke in 1999. Sparich v. SmithKline Beecham Corp., No. 010800120 (Pa. Common Pleas Ct., Phila. Cty.).

The decision of the 12-member Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas jury was the third nationwide defense verdict for manufacturers of products containing PPA, and the first in Pennsylvania.

On Jan. 16, Novartis, the manufacturer of Tavist-D, won a unanimous verdict in Middlesex County (N.J.) Superior Court in what was believed to be …