N.J. Court Disqualifies 6 of 10 National Class Settlement Opt-Outs

HACKENSACK, N.J. - A New Jersey Superior Court judge dismissed six of 10 diet drug cases against Wyeth Inc. on July 22, saying the echocardiograms offered did not support their claims. In re Diet Drug Litigation, No. BER-L-7718-03MT (N.J. Super. Ct., Bergen Cty.).

Judge Charles J. Walsh of the Bergen County (N.J.) Superior Court held a five-day evidentiary hearing on Wyeth's challenges to claims made by 10 individuals claiming heart valve damage from diet drugs Pondimin or Redux. The 10 are have opted out of a national settlement that would specify damages according to the perceived severity of injury. …