Minn. Federal Judge Dismisses Duragesic Lawsuit

MINNEAPOLIS - A Minnesota federal judge has dismissed a wrongful death action against the maker of a transdermal patch, ruling that the case has no connection to Minnesota and is therefore subject to Wyoming's two-year limitations period. Schmelzle v. ALZA Corp., No. 06-4846 (D. Minn.).

Judge Michael J. Davis of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota ruled on June 21 that Wyoming has a stronger connection to the suit against Janssen Pharmaceutica Inc. and its corporate parent.

Robert L. Schmelzle filed the action in December 2006, alleging that the December 2003 death of his wife, Kelly Sue, …