Federal Vioxx MDL Judge Expected to Rule on Physicians' Motions

NEW ORLEANS - Parties in the federal Vioxx MDL have continued to argue jurisdiction and joinder issues in lawsuits asserting liability claims against healthcare providers in addition to Merck & Co. Inc., and a court ruling on certain related motions is expected to be issued soon. In Re: Vioxx Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1657 (E.D. La.).

Judge Eldon E. Fallon of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana is specifically considering motions to dismiss, or for summary judgment, and motions to remand filed by defendant physicians in three MDL lawsuits. Following a Dec. 14 hearing, the …