Elidel Case on Hold As 3rd Cir. Weighs Preemption Issue

CAMDEN, N.J. - A case alleging injury caused by the eczema drug Elidel has been stayed while a federal appeals court determines whether claims that are currently before the panel and share similarities to those asserted by the plaintiffs are preempted by federal law. McDonald v. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., et al., No. 07-655 (D. N.J.).

Judge Jerome B. Simandle of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey said in a Nov. 20 order that an anticipated ruling by the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in two pharmaceutical cases could have a dispositive effect on the instant …