Split Decision For Wyeth: $48,000 For 1 of 2 Plaintiffs in Pondimin Trial

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia Common Pleas jury has awarded $48,000 to a man who blamed his heart valve problems on the diet drug Pondimin, while finding for manufacturer Wyeth on claims by a second plaintiff. Istnick v. Wyeth, No. 021200268; Clepper v. Wyeth, et al., No. 021202456. (Pa. Comm. Pls., Philadelphia Cty.).

Verdicts in the combined cases were reached July 27. Wyeth said after the verdicts were announced that the defense verdict ended claims by Rhonda Gail Istnick, and that the company had 'resolved' claims by the second plaintiff, Henry A. Clepper.

Istnick is from Canton, Texas. Clepper is from …