Plaintiffs: Preemption Standards Not Applicable to Bextra, Celebrex Claims

SAN FRANCISCO - Plaintiffs in the federal Bextra/Celebrex MDL are opposing Pfizer Inc.'s motions to dismiss on preemption grounds the Purchase Claims Master Bextra and Celebrex Complaints, saying that the recent preemption analysis set forth by the FDA regarding prescription drug labeling does not affect the plaintiffs' claims at issue. In Re: Bextra and Celebrex Marketing, Sales Practices and Product Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1699 (N.D. Calif.).

Following a June 30 hearing on Pfizer's motions to dismiss, Judge Charles R. Breyer of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ordered briefing from both parties to address the …