Janssen, J&J Oppose Plaintiffs’ Motion to Create Single Docket for Xarelto Lawsuits

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Johnson & Johnson have opposed plaintiffs’ motion to create a multidistrict litigation (MDL) docket for lawsuits alleging injuries caused by the prescription blood-thinner Xarelto, arguing that informal coordination of the actions is more appropriate.

In a Nov. 2 opposition filed before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, the drug makers argue that transfer of the Xarelto cases to an MDL would encourage the filing of “copycat” actions and would create additional burdens and expense for the parties.

Xarelto, an oral anticoagulant indicated for prevention of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and strokes in …