MDL Plaintiffs Say Pfizer Can't Bar Depositions of Sales Reps

SAN FRANCISCO - Plaintiffs in the federal Bextra/Celebrex MDL have moved to compel depositions of Pfizer Inc. sales representatives, stating that the depositions could uncover information on the company's allegedly misleading marketing strategies directed at consumers and physicians. In Re: Bextra/Celebrex Marketing Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1699 (N.D. Calif.).

On Oct. 12, the MDL Plaintiffs' Steering Committee submitted a letter brief to Special Master Fern M. Smith, seeking a recommendation and order compelling the depositions of Pfizer sales representatives Stephanie Keyes Devore and John Gordon.

The brief, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern …