Calif. Judge Dismisses Bextra, Celebrex Claims for Failure to Prosecute

SAN FRANCISCO - The judge overseeing the federal Bextra/Celebrex MDL recently dismissed 17 lawsuits after the plaintiffs failed to appear at a hearing and show cause why their cases should not be dismissed for failure to prosecute. In Re: Bextra and Celebrex Marketing Sales Practices and Product Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1699 (N.D. Calif.).

Judge Charles R. Breyer of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued the ruling Oct. 6, stating that the court had received no communication on behalf of the plaintiffs and no response to the court's Sept. 12 order to show cause.

Judge …