Pfizer Says Purchaser Plaintiffs' Trial Proposal 'Makes Little Sense'

SAN FRANCISCO - Pfizer Inc. and other defendants in the federal Bextra/Celebrex MDL have stated that several factors render impracticable plaintiffs' proposal that a bellwether trial of the sales and marketing practices claims be scheduled for later this year. In Re: Bextra and Celebrex Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1699 (N.D. Calif.).

In a Feb. 15 letter to Special Master Fern M. Smith of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the plaintiffs assert that an early purchase claims trial would best serve to expedite resolution of the MDL proceeding.

In their own …