Federal Vioxx MDL Judge Dismisses Italian, French Class Actions

NEW ORLEANS - The judge overseeing the federal Vioxx MDL has dismissed two foreign class actions, ruling that Italy and France are available and adequate alternative forums that would better satisfy both private and public interest factors. 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 ruled from the bench Aug. 24 and issued a written order Aug. 30 granting Merck & Co. Inc.'s motion to dismiss the foreign class actions.

The cases at issue, Calandra, et al. v. Merck & Co. Inc., …