Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Products Liability Litigation
MDL No. 2502

Current developments


June 12, 2018

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed summary judgment in all cases to which CMO 99, CMO 100, or CMO 109 applies.

February 8, 2017

Plaintiffs appealed summary judgment in all cases to which CMO 109 applies.

February 3, 2017

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 109, which grants Pfizer's Omnibus Motion for Summary Judgment.  CMO 109 applies to all cases remaining in the MDL.  See CMO 109 for details.

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 108, which granted a motion to remand by certain Plaintiffs and suggested to the JPML that those actions be remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See CMO 108 for details.

February 1, 2017

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 107, which granted a motion to remand by certain Plaintiffs and suggested to the JPML that those actions be remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See CMO 107 for details.

January 27, 2017

Plaintiffs appealed summary judgment in all cases to which CMO 99 is applicable.

January 26, 2017

Plaintiffs appealed summary judgment in all cases to which CMO 100 is applicable.

January 23, 2017

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 106, which granted a motion to remand by certain Plaintiffs and suggested to the JPML that those actions be remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See CMO 106 for details.

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 105, which granted a motion to remand by certain Plaintiffs and suggested to the JPML that those actions be remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See CMO 105 for details.

January 9, 2017

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 104, which granted a motion to remand by certain Plaintiffs and suggested to the JPML that those actions be remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See CMO 104 for details.

January 3, 2017

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 103, which orders that direct filing in MDL No. 2502 is no longer allowed.  See CMO 103 for details. 

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 102, which suggests that after January 4, 2017, the JPML decline to transfer and consolidate tag-along cases to MDL No. 2502.  See CMO 102 for details.

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 101, which is an order to show cause why summary judgment should not be granted in the remaining cases in the MDL.  See CMO 101 for details.

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 100, which grants in part Pfizer's Omnibus Motion for Summary Judgment.  CMO 100 applies to claims where the plaintiff ingested Lipitor at dosages of less than 80 mg prior to diagnosis of diabetes.  See CMO 100 for details. 

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 99, which grants in part Pfizer's Omnibus Motion for Summary Judgment.  CMO 99 applies to claims where the plaintiff ingested Lipitor 80 mg prior to diagnosis of diabetes.  See CMO 99 for details. 

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 98, which grants Plaintiffs' Motion to Remand in Dalphine Glass, et. al. v. Pfizer, Inc., Case No. 2:16-cv-093836.  See CMO 98 for details.

December 29, 2016

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 97, which grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment in the bellwether case Hempstead v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:14-1879.  See CMO 97 for details.

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 96, which grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment in the bellwether case Daniels v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-1400.  See CMO 96 for details. 

December 27, 2016

Plaintiffs in Barringer, et. al. v. Pfizer, Inc., et. al., Case No. 2:16-cv-03992 filed a motion to remand.  See Dkt. No. 1786.

December 22, 2016

By Order of the JPML, 4 actions were remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See Dkt. No. 1784.  The Court had suggested remand of these actions in CMO 94.

December 20, 2016

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 95, which granted a motion to remand by certain Plaintiffs and suggested to the JPML that 3 actions be remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See CMO 95 for details.

December 16, 2016

Plaintiffs in three member cases filed motions to remand.  See Dkt. No. 1778. 

December 12, 2016

By Order of the JPML, 36 actions were remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See Dkt. No. 1777.  The Court had suggested remand of these actions in CMO 90 and CMO 91.

December 9, 2016

By Order of the JPML, 10 actions were remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See Dkt. No. 1776.  The Court had suggested remand of these actions in CMO 89.

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 94, which granted certain motions to remand by Plaintiffs and suggested to the JPML that 4 actions be remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See CMO 94 for details.

December 6, 2016

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 93, which dismissed 47 cases for lack of jurisdiction.  See CMO 93 for details.

December 1, 2016

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 92, which denied Pfizer's renewed motion to dismiss in Cheryl Sephus, et al. v. Pfizer, Inc., Case No. 2:15-cv-04752.  See CMO 92 for details.

November 30, 2016

By Order of the JPML, 8 actions were remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See Dkt. No. 1754.  The Court had suggested remand of these actions in CMO 88.

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 91, which granted certain motions to remand by Plaintiffs and suggested to the JPML that 9 actions be remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See CMO 91 for details.

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 90, which granted certain motions to remand by Plaintiffs and suggested to the JPML that 27 actions be remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See CMO 90 for details.

November 28, 2016

By Order of the JPML, 72 actions were remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See Dkt. No. 1752.  The Court had suggested remand of these actions in CMO 87.

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 89, which granted certain motions to remand by Plaintiffs and suggested to the JPML that 10 actions be remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See CMO 89 for details.

November 21, 2016

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 88, which granted in part Plaintiffs' motion to remand (Dkt. No. 268) and suggested to the JPML that 8 actions be remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See CMO 88 for details.

Plaintiffs' in Cynthia Faye Davis, et al., v. Pfizer, et al., Case No. 2:16-cv-03399 and Rose A. Carpenter, et al., v. Pfizer, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:16-cv-03398, filed motions to remand.  (Dkt. Nos. 1744, 1746).  Responses are due December 8, 2016.

November 18, 2016

Plaintiffs' in Vicky Chaffee, et al., v. Pfizer, et al., Case No. 2:16-cv-03631 and Patricia Williams, et al., v. Pfizer, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:16-cv-03630, filed motions to remand.  (Dkt. Nos. 1736, 1738).  Responses are due December 5, 2016.

November 7, 2016

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 87, which granted in part Plaintiffs' motions to remand (Dkt. Nos. 267, 268, 269) and suggested to the JPML that 72 actions be remanded to their transferor courts for further proceedings.  See CMO 87 for details.

November 2, 2016

Plaintiffs' in Sharal Scully, et al., v. Pfizer, et al., Case No. 2:16-cv-03466 filed a motion to remand.  (Dkt. No. 1722).  Responses are due November 21, 2016.

November 1, 2016

The Court held oral argument on Pfizer's Omnibus Motion for Summary Judgment.

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 86, which granted Plaintiffs' motions to remand in Trees v. Pfizer, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:16-cv-0334 and Bearup, et al. v. Pfizer, Inc., Case No. 2:16-cv-0335.  See CMO 86 for details.

October 26, 2016

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 85, which granted Plaintiffs' motions to remand in Scotino, et. al. v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:15-cv-03169 and Allen, et. al. v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:15-cv-03170.  See CMO 85 for details.

October 25, 2016

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 84, which granted Plaintiffs' motion to remand in Sehovic, et. al. v. Pfizer, Inc., Case No. 2:14-cv-03254.  See CMO 84 for details.

October 24, 2016

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 83, which granted Plaintiffs' motion to remand in Hoffman, et. al. v. Pfizer, Inc., Case No. 2:14-cv-02253.  See CMO 83 for details.

Plaintiffs' in Gibson, et. al., v. Pfizer, et. al., Case No. 2:16-cv-03173 filed a motion to remand.  (Dkt. No. 1683).  Responses are due November 10, 2016.

October 21, 2016

The Court held oral argument on a number of motions to remand where Pfizer had appealed the decision of the Magistrate Judge.

September 30, 2016

Plaintiffs in Lawana Smith, et. al., v. Pfizer, Inc., et. al., Case No. 2:16-cv-02975, filed a motion to remand.  (Dkt. No. 1649).  Responses are due October 17, 2016.

September 8, 2016

Plaintiffs in Mildred Brown, et. al., v. Pfizer, Inc., et. al., Case No. 2:16-cv-03007, filed a motion to remand.  (Dkt. No. 1626).  Responses are due September 26, 2016.

September 7, 2016

The Court held oral argument on Pfizer's motions for summary judgment in the two bellwether cases, Daniels v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-1400 and Hempstead v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:14-1879.

August 23, 2016

The Court issued CMO 82, which requires any Plaintiff who asserts that her case can survive summary judgmnet on specific causation even if the Court's ruling in CMO 55 is upheld on appeal, to file a response to Defendant's motion for summary judgment within sixty days.  See CMO 82 for details.

August 18, 2016

The Magistrate Judge issued an order granting Plaintiffs' motions to remand in certain Michigan cases.  (Dkt. No. 1614).  The parties have fourteen (14) days to file an appeal to the district judge or written objections to the Magistrate Judge's Order.  (See id.)

August 3, 2016

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 81, which requires that any Plaintiff that asserts her case can survive summary judgment on specific causation even if the Court's ruling in CMO 55 is upheld on appeal, to file an opposition to Defendant's motion for summary judgment within 15 days.  See CMO 81 for details.

July 18, 2016

The Court issued CMO 80, which dismissed the claims of four (4) plaintiffs for failure to comply with discovery obligations and orders of the Court.  See CMO 80 for details.

July 14, 2016

The Magistrate Judge issued an order granting Plaintiffs' motions to remand in certain California cases.  (Dkt. No. 1580).  The parties have fourteen (14) days to file an appeal to the district judge or written objections to the Magistrate Judge's Order.  (See id.)

July 11, 2016

Plaintiffs in Myrle Jackson, et. al., v. Pfizer, Inc., et. al., Case No. 2:16-cv-02474, and Teresa Brooks, et. al., v. Pfizer, Inc., et. al., Case No. 2:16-cv-01965, filed motions to remand.  (Dkt. Nos. 1575, 1577).  Responses are due July 28, 2016.

June 24, 2016

Pfizer filed motions for summary judgment in the two bellwether cases and an omnibus motion for summary judgment.  (Dkt. Nos. 1562, 1563, 1564).  Responses are due July 22, 2016. 

Plaintiffs in Genevieve Monreal, et. al., v. Pfizer, Inc., et. al., Case No. 2:16-cv-02079, filed a motion to remand.  (Dkt. No. 1567).  Responses are due July 11, 2016.

June 10, 2016

Pfizer moved to dismiss the claims of 9 Plaintiffs for failure to comply with their discovery obligations.  (Dkt. No. 1553).  Responses are due by June 27, 2016.

June 8, 2016

The Court entered Case Management Order No. 79, which sets a briefing schedule for motions for summary judgment.  See CMO 79 for details.

The Court held a telephone conference to discuss scheduling matters.

May 18, 2016

Plaintiffs filed a motion to remand in Bagliere, et. al. v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:16-cv-1582.  (Dkt. No. 1525).  This motion has been referred to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.  (Dkt. No. 1527). 

May 12, 2016

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 78, which dismisses the claims of four plaintiffs for failure to comply with their discovery obligations and the Court's orders and denies without prejudice Pfizer's motion to dismiss with regard to one plaintiff.  See CMO 78 for details.

May 11, 2016

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 77, which denies Pfizer's motions for summary judgment without prejudice and sets a schedule for the parties to submit proposals on how to proceed with dispositve motions.  See CMO 77 for details.

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 76, which grants Pfizer's Motion to Exclude the Testimony of Dr. David Handshoe in bellwether cases Daniels v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-1400 and Hempstead v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:14-1879.  See CMO 76 for details.

May 6, 2016

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 75, which denies Plaintiffs' Motion to Reconsider CMO 55, which excludes the expert testimony of Dr. Murphy.  See CMO 75 for details.

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 74, which grants in part and denies in part Pfizer's Motion to Exclude the Testimony of Plaintiffs' Regulatory Expert G. Alexander Fleming.  See CMO 74 for details.

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 73, which grants in part and denies in part Pfizer's Motion to Exclude the Testimony of Dr. John Abramson.  See CMO 73 for details.

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 72, which grants in part and denies in part Pfizer's Motion to Exclude Expert Testimony and Claims that Lipitor is Not Effective for and Should Not Be Approved for Primary Prevention in Women.  See CMO 72 for details.

April 26, 2016

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 71, which dismisses the claims of 24 Plaintiffs for failure to comply with their discovery obligations and the Court's orders.  See CMO 71 for details.

April 13, 2016

Plaintiffs filed a motion to remand in Roberts, et. al. v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:16-cv-1075.  (Dkt. No. 1497).  Responses are due May 2, 2016.  This motion was referred to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.  (Dkt. No. 1500).

April 5-8, 2016

Plaintiffs filed motions to remand in multiple cases.  (Dkt. Nos. 1476-1491).  Responses to these motions are due between April 22, 2016, and April 25, 2016, depending on the date filed.  These motions were referred to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.  (Dkt. No. 1493).

April 1, 2016

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 70, which dismisses the claims of 19 Plaintiffs for failure to comply with their discovery obligations and the Court's orders.  See CMO 70 for details.

March 31, 2016

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 69, which dismisses the claims of 103 Plaintiffs for failure to comply with their discovery obligations and the Court's orders.  See CMO 69 for details.

March 30, 2016

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 68, which grants in part and denies in part Pfizer's Motion to Exclude Plaintiffs' Expert Testimony on the Issue of General Causation.  See CMO 68 for details.

March 25, 2016

Pfizer moved to dismiss the claims of nine Plaintiffs for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  (Dkt. No. 1463).  Responses are due by April 11, 2016.

March 18, 2016

The Court held oral argument on Pfizer's motion to exclude Plaintiffs' expert testimony on general causation, specifically regarding the experts' supplemental opinions with regard to dose.

March 9, 2016

Pfizer moved to dismiss the claims of 26 Plaintiffs for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  (Dkt. No. 1434).  Responses are due by March 28, 2016. 

The Court ordered that by noon on March 14, 2016, Plaintiffs provide citations to the record for, or file copies of, (1) the review articles cited by Dr. Quon on pages 5-6 of his supplemental report, which "caution[] that most statins including Lipitor . . . promote and cause insulin resistance and hyperglycemia which result in new onset diabetes"; (2) other peer reviewed articles that explain or explicitly employ Dr. Quon's methodology for determining whether a drug causes a disease in his field.  (Dkt. No. 1433). 

March 2, 2016

Pfizer moved to dismiss Worley v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:15-cv-3600, because Plaintiff previously dismissed her action with prejudice.  (Dkt. No. 1413).  Plaintiff's response is do March 21, 2016.

February 29, 2016

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 67, which grants in part and denies in part Plaintiffs' motion for reconsideration of CMO 54 regarding the expert testimony of Dr. Jewell.  CMO 54 is amended to delete the last two sentences of footnote 13, to delete footnote 28, and to delete the first 5.5 lines of the first full paragraph on page 23.  The motion is otherwise denied.  See CMO 67 for details.

February 25, 2016

Plaintiffs in Jamshidi, et al., v. Pfizer, 2:16-cv-446 filed a motion to remand.  (Dkt. No. 1404).  Responses are due March 14, 2016.  This motion was referred to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.  (Dkt. No. 1408). 

February 8, 2016

The Court set a hearing on Dosage and General Causation for March 18, 2016 at 10 A.M.  (Dkt. No. 1371).

February 5, 2016

Plaintiffs in Sherry Stegall, et. al. v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:15-cv-2953 and Shari Beneda, et. al. v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:15-cv-2504 filed motions to remand.  (Dkt. Nos. 1367, 1368).  Responses are due February 22, 2016.  These motions were referred to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.  (Dkt. No. 1376).

February 3, 2016

Plaintiffs in Anita Perlhefter, et. al., v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:15-cv-03630, Pauline St. Jean, et. al., v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:15-cv-3465, and Michelle Davis, et. al. v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:15-cv-2954, filed motions to remand.  (Dkt. Nos. 1363, 1364, 1365).  Responses are due February 22, 2016.  These motions were referred to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.  (Dkt. No. 1376).

February 2, 2016

Plaintiffs in Priscilla Garcia, et. al., v. Pfizer, Inc., Case No. 2:15-cv-04235 filed a motion to remand.  (Dkt. No. 1359).  Responses are due February 19, 2016.  This motion was referred to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.  (Dkt. No. 1361). 

January 25, 2016

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 66, which vacates CMO 61 and CMO 62 and states that the Court will not set another case for a bellwether trial unless circumstances change.  See CMO 66 for details.

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 65, which requires that any Plaintiff that asserts her case can survive summary judgment on specific causation even if the Court's ruling in CMO 55 is upheld on appeal, to file a notice with the Court within 15 days.  See CMO 65 for details.

January 22, 2016

The Court held a telephone conference with counsel to discuss the prospects of an 80 mg bellwether case and a plan for the progression of the MDL.  See Transcript for details.

The Court issued CMO 64, which dismissed the claims of eight (8) plaintiffs for failure to comply with discovery obligations and orders of the Court.  See CMO 64 for details. 

The Court issued CMO 63, which substituted Lori Restaino of Restaino Law Firm, LLC with John Restaino of Restaino Law Firm, LLC as a member of the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee.  See CMO 63 for details.

January 13, 2016

Plaintiffs in Taime, et al., v. Pfizer, Inc., Case No. 2:15-cv-5086, filed a motion to remand.  See Dkt. No. 1325.  Responses are due by February 1, 2016.  The Court referred the motion to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.  See Dkt. No. 1327.

January 12, 2016

The Court issued CMO 62, which sets dates for monthly status conferences through June 2016.  See CMO 62 for details.  CMO 62 has been amended by Dkt. No. 1326.

The Court issued CMO 61, which provides an amended case selection and pre-trial schedule.  See CMO 61 for details.

January 8, 2016

The Court issued CMO 60, which amends CMO 50 and extends certain deadlines.  See CMO 60 for details.

Plaintiffs filed a motion to reconsider CMO 55, which excludes the testimony of Dr. Elizabeth Murphy in Hempstead v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:14-1879.  (Dkt. No. 1317).  Responses are due by January 25, 2016.

December 21, 2015

Pfizer filed a motion to dismiss the claims of 35 Plaintiffs for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See Dkt. No. 1297.  Responses are due by January 7, 2016.

December 18, 2015

Plaintiffs filed a motion to reconsider CMO 54, which excludes certain expert testimony of Dr. Nicholas Jewell.  (Dkt. No. 1292).  Responses are due by January 15, 2016.

December 17, 2015

The Court issued CMO 59, which denied Plaintiffs request for a blanket ruling that all Pfizer employee emails are business records within the meaning of Rule 803(6).  See CMO 59 for details.

The Court issued CMO 58, which dismissed the claims of 17 Plaintiffs for failure to comply with their discovery obligations.  See CMO 58 for details.

The Court issued CMO 57, which approved a joint stipulation of the parties and allowed certain Plaintiffs an extension to provide Plaintiff Fact Sheets and respond to Pfizer's motion to dismiss.  See CMO 57 for details.

December 11, 2015

The Court issued CMO 56, which vacates the trial date in Daniels v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-1400.  See CMO 56 for details.

The Court issued CMO 55, which excludes the testimony of Dr. Elizabeth Murphy in Hempstead v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-1879.  See CMO 55 for details.

December 8, 2015

Plaintiffs in Stevens, et. al. v. Pfizer, et. al, Case No. 2:15-cv-416 filed a motion to remand.  See Dkt. No. 1278.  Responses are due by December 29, 2015.  The Court referred the motion to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.  See Dkt. No. 1280.

December 3, 2015

The Court heard oral argument on Pfizer's motions to exclude case specific expert testimony in Hempstead v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-1879.  See Transcript for details.

December 2, 2015

Pfizer filed a motion to strike the supplemetnal report of general causation expert Dr. Roberts.  See Dkt. No. 1271.  Responses are due by December 21, 2015.

November 20, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 54, which excludes certain expert testimony by Dr. Nicholas Jewell.  See CMO 54 for details.

November 18, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 53, which orders additional breifing on Pfizer's preemption argument.  See CMO 53 for details.

November 16, 2015

Plaintiffs in Smith, et. al. v. Pfizer, et. al, Case No. 2:15-cv-04437 filed a motion to remand.  See Dkt. No. 1248.  Responses are due December 3, 2015.  The Court referred this motion to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.  See Dkt. No. 1253.

November 4, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 52, which approves a stipulation regarding Pfizer's motion to dismiss certain cases for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See CMO 52 for details.

November 3, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 51, which accepts the resignation of David Miceli from the PEC and PSC.  See CMO 51 for details.

October 30, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 50, which granted Plaintiffs' motion for extension and set an amended schedule.  See CMO 50 for details.

Pfizer filed a motion for summary judgment in Hempstead v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-1879.  Responses are due December 4, 2015.  See CMO 40.

October 27, 2015

Plaintiffs filed a motion to overrule Pfizer's authenticity and business records objections to emails.  See DKt. No. 1207.  Responses are due November 13, 2015.

October 22, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 49, which finds that Plaintiffs must demonstrate, with general causation testimony, that particular doses of Lipitor are capable of causing diabetes.  This Order allows Plaintiffs to serve supplemental reports within particular parameters and sets an amended schedule.  See CMO 49 for details.

The Court heard oral argument on the role of dosage at general causation and Pfizer's motion to exclude the testimony of Dr. Handshoe in Daniels v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-1400.  See Transcript for details.

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 48, which grants Pfizer's motions to seal certain documents.  See CMO 48 for details.

October 13, 2015

Pfizer filed a motion to dismiss the claims of 26 plaintiffs for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See Dkt. No. 1176.  Responses to the motion are due by October 30, 2015.

October 7, 2015

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 47, which grants Pfizer's motions to seal certain documents.  See CMO 47 for details.

October 1, 2015

The Court continued the hearing on Pfizer's motions to exclude the testimony of Plaintiffs' case-specific experts from October 8, 2015, to October 22, 2015 at 10 AM.

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 46, which approves a Joint Stipulation of the parties with regard to Pfizer's pending motion to dismiss certain cases.  See CMO 46 for details.

Pfizer filed a motion in limine to exclude evidence of foreign Lipitor labeling and regulatory actions.  See Dkt. No. 1163.  Responses to the motion are due October 19, 2015.

September 29, 2015

In light of the continuation of the Daniels trial, the Court vacated the deadlines in CMO 41.  The parties are to submit a proposed amended pre-trial schedule by October 16, 2015.  See Dkt. No. 1157 for details.

September 28, 2015

As a result of sounding the Court's criminal roster for the November-December trial term, the Court continued the first bellwether trial to January 2016.  Jury selection in Daniels v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-1400 will be held on January 12, 2016, and the trial of this matter will begin on January 13, 2016.  See Dkt. No. 1150.

The Court continued the hearing on Pfizer's motion for summary judgment in Daniels v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-1400 to December 3, 2015.  See Dkt. No. 1154.

September 25, 2015

The Court ordered the parties to submit supplemental briefing on whether Plaintiffs' experts have offered sufficient evidence to support their opinions that Lipitor causes diabetes in female patients at a dosage level less than 80 mg.  See Dkt. No. 1149.

September 24-25, 2015

The Court held Daubert hearings on Pfizer's motions to exclude expert testimony on general causation, exptert testimony that Lipitor is ineffective in women, the testimony of Dr. Abramson, and the testimony of Dr. Fleming.  See Transcripts for details.

September 15, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 45, which grants the parties' motions to file certain exhibts under seal and other exhibits redacted.  These documents are exhibits to Plaintiffs' Responses to Pfizer's motions to exclude certain expert testimony.  See CMO 45 for details.

September 4, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 44, which dismisses the claims of twenty Plaintiffs with prejudice for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See CMO 44 for details.

August 26, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 43, which grants Pfizer's motions to seal certain exhibits.  See CMO 43 for details.

August 24, 2015

Pfizer filed a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction in Case Nos. 2:15-cv-03169, 2:15-cv-03170.  See Dkt. No. 1050.

Pfizer filed a motion to dismiss the claims of 243 plaintiffs for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See Dkt. No. 1052.  Responses to the motion are due by September 11, 2015.

August 20, 2015

The Magistrate Judge issued an order granting Plaintiffs' motions to remand in Case Nos. 2:14-cv-3232 and 2:14-cv-3239.  See Dkt. No. 1038.  The parties have fourteen (14) days to file an appeal to the district judge or written objections to the Magistrate Judge's Order.  See id.

August 14, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 42, which dismissed the claims of 8 Plaintiffs for failure to comply with discovery obligations and the Court's orders.  See CMO 42 for details.

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 41, which is the Pretrial Scheduling Order for the first case set for trial, Daniels v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-1400.  See CMO 41 for details. 

August 13, 2015

The sixteenth status conference was held.  The Court and the parties discussed adding questions to the Court's standard jury questionnaire and the procedures for offering deposition testimony at trial.  See Transcript for details. 

August 10, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 40, which sets a briefing scheduling for dispositive motions in Hempstead v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-1879.  See CMO 40 for details.

August 7, 2015

Pfizer filed several motions to exclude expert testimony in the first two cases selected for trial.  See Dkt. Nos. 1004, 1006, 1008.  Responses are due September 4, 2015.

Pfizer filed a motion for summary judgment in the first case selected for trial, Daniels v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-1400.  See Dkt. No. 1010.  Response(s) are due on September 4, 2015.

August 4, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 39, which dismisses 13 cases with prejudice and 31 cases without prejudice for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  The order otherwise denies Pfizer's motion to dismiss.  See CMO 39 for details.

July 24, 2015

Pfizer filed several Daubert motions related to expert opinions on general causation.  See Dkt. Nos. 970, 972, 974, 975.  Responses are due on August 21, 2015.

July 23, 2015

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 38, which granted in part and denied in part Pfizer's motion to strike certain opinions of Dr. Handshoe in the first two cases selected for trial.  See CMO 38 for details.

The fifteenth status conference was held.  The Court heard argument on Pfizer's motion to strike certain opinions of Dr. Handshoe in the first two cases selected for trail.  After discussion with counsel, the Court cancelled the August status conference.  See Transcript for details.

July 22, 2015

Pfizer moved to dismiss the claims of 10 Plaintiffs for failure to comply with their discovery obligations.  See Dkt. No. 958.  Responses are due on August 10, 2015.

July 20, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 37, which approved a joint stipulation between Pfizer and certain Plaintiffs regarding Pfizer's moiton to dismiss for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See CMO 37 for details.

July 13, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 36, which granted Pfizer's motion for protective order regarding counsel's discussions with a former employee and denied Plaintiffs' motion to compel the list of documents that Pfizer's counsel provided to counsel for Pfizer's former employee.  See CMO 36 for details.

July 6, 2015

Pfizer moved to dismiss the claims of 145 Plaintiffs for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See Dkt. No. 934.  Responses are due on July 23, 2015.

June 25, 2015

The fourteenth status conference was held.  The Court and the parties discussed discovery issues.  Plaintiff Jennings withdrew the second errata sheet that she submitted regarding her deposition transcript.  See Transcript for details.

June 16, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 35, which grants Pfizer's motion to dismiss eight cases, with prejudice, for failure to comply with discovery obligations and denies Pfizer's motion to dismiss two other cases.  See CMO 35 for details.

May 21, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 6C, which changes the e-mail address of Pfizer's counsel to which Plaintiffs should direct Plaintiff Fact Sheets and other required disclosures.  See CMO 6C for details.

The thirteenth status conference was held.  See Transcript for details.

May 19, 2015

The Court referred Plaintiffs' motions to remand in Weaver v. Pfizer, 2:14-3232 and Stark v. Pfizer, 2:14-3239 to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.

May 15, 2015

Pfizer filed a motion to dismiss in twelve cases for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See Dkt. No. 880.  Responses due June 1, 2015.

May 5, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 34, which allows Plaintiffs to serve supplemental expert reports and amends the scheduling order.  See CMO 34 for details.

April 23, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 33, which denies Pfizer's Motion for Protective Order (Dkt. No. 855) but imposes certain limitations on the Rule 30(b)(6) marketing deposition of Pfizer and sets dates for future status conferences.  See CMO 33 for details.

The twelth status conference was held.  The Court heard argument and ruled on Pfizer's Motion for Protective Order (Dkt. No. 855) and discussed future status conferences.  See Transcript for details.

April 21, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 32, which clarifies Defendant McKesson's Pleading Obligations in the MDL.  See CMO 32 for details.

March 27, 2015

The Court set a trial date certain for the first case to go to trial, Daniels v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:14-cv-1400.  Jury selection is set for November 3, 2015, and trial will begin on November 4, 2015.  See Dkt. No. 841.

March 26, 2015

The eleventh status conference was held.  The Court and the parties discussed discovery issues in the Daniels case.  See Transcript for details.

March 23, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 31, which dismissed certain actions without prejudice but with conditions that Plaintiffs must meet if they seek to refile their actions.  See CMO 31 for details.

February 26, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 30, which governs case-specific discovery in the first two cases selected for trial.  See CMO 30 for details.

The Court cancelled the February Status Conference on the parties' request.

February 11, 2015

Pfizer filed motions to dismiss certain cases for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See Dkt. Nos. 763-766.  Responses due March 2, 2015.

February 4, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 29, which sets an amended schedule for the MDL.  See CMO 29 for details.

February 2, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 28, which denies Pfizer's Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings in certain Texas cases.  See CMO 28 for details.

January 30, 2015

The Court convened the parties to randomly select the first cases for bellwether trials. Per prior agreement of the parties, four cases were designated for random selection.  The cases were drawn in the following order: (1) Daniels v. Pfizer (C.A. No. 2:14-1400); (2) Hempstead v. Pfizer (C.A. No. 2:14-1879); (3) Rawdon v. Pfizer (C.A. No. 2:14-1502); and (4) Durocher v. Pfizer (7:13-1965). Cases (1) and (3) were designated by Defendant and Cases (2) and (4) were designated by Plaintiffs. Therefore, Daniels v. Pfizer will the first bellwether case to go to trial in this MDL.

January 27, 2015

The Magistrate Judge issued an Order granting Plaintiffs' Motion to Remand in Sehovic, et. al. v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:14-cv-3254.  The parties have fourteen (14) days to file an appeal or objections to this Order.  See Dkt. No. 725 for details.

January 23, 2015

The Magistrate Judge issued an Order transferring certain cases to the Federal Courts in California for consideration as to whether the cases should remain in federal court as mass actions under CAFA.  The parties have fourteen (14) days to file an appeal or objections to this order.  See Dkt. No. 715 for details.

January 22, 2015

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 27, which establishes a Common Benefit Fund to compensate and reimburse attorneys for service performed and expenses incurred for the MDL.  See CMO 27 for details.

The tenth status conference was held.  The Court heard oral argument on Pfizer's Rule 12(c) motion in the Texas cases and denied the motion with a written order to follow.  The Court and the parties discussed the selection of the bellwether cases for trial and other issues.  See Transcript for details.

December 16, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 26, which grants the Plaintiffs' Executive Committee's motion to remove W. Lewis Garrison, Jr., of Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC from the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee.  See CMO 26 for details.

December 11, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 25, which grants in part Plaintiffs' Motion to Stay Discovery in No. 2:14-cv-4384 pending resolution of Plaintiffs' motion to remand and grants Plaintiffs' Motion to Stay Short Form Complaint Obligations in No. 2:14-cv-3254 pending resolution of Plaintiffs' motion to remand.  See CMO 25 for details.

December 9, 2014

Per the request of the parties, the Court cancelled the December Status Conference.  The next Status Conference is January 22, 2014.

November 13, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 24, which dismisses the claims of two plaintiffs with prejudice and the claims of one plaintiff without prejudice for failure to comply with their discovery obligations under CMO 5 & CMO 6.  See CMO 24 for details.

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 23, which denies Pfizer's Motion to Quash Plaintiffs' Rule 30(b)(6) Deposition Notice on AER Discovery, denies Pfizer's Motion to Quash Plaintiff's Deposition Notice of Joseph Feczko, grants Plaintiff Hempstead's Motion to File an Amended Short Form Complaint, and grants in part Plaintiffs' Motion to Stay Discovery in certain cases where remand motions are pending.  See CMO 23 for details.

The ninth status conference was held.  The Court and the parties discussed Plaintiff Hempstead's motion to amend her complaint and various discovery issues, including Pfizer's motion to quash Plaintiffs' Rule 30(b)(6) deposition notice related to adverse event discovery and Pfizer's motion to quash Plaintiffs' deposition subpoena of Joseph Feczko.

November 6, 2014

The Court postponed the Rule 30(b)(6) deposition of Pfizer related to adverse event source files and databases until the Court has a chance to address Pfizer's request for a protective order.  (Dkt. No. 632).

October 24, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 22, which addresses the applicability of the spousal communications privilege in cases with loss of consortium claims, orders the Lopez McHugh LLP firm to to go back to each of its clients in the Discovery Pool cases and make a specific inquiry regarding the Plaintiffs' search for and collection of responsive documents, and sets a briefing schedule on Pfizer's Apex objection.  See CMO 22 for details.

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 21, which grants in part and denies in part Pfizer's motions to dismiss certain cases for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See CMO 21 for details.

The eighth status conference was held. The Court and the parties discussed various discovery issues and the parties' resolution of the Michigan cases where Rule 12(c) motions are pending.

The Court referred Plaintiffs' Motion to Remand in Case Nos. 2:14-cv-3894 and 2:14-cv-4060 to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.

October 21, 2014

Pfizer filed a motion to dismiss in Case No. 2:14-cv-2514 for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See Dkt. No. 584.  A response is due on November 7, 2014.

October 17, 2014

Pfizer filed a Rule 12(c) motion in certain cases based on Michigan state law.  See Dkt. No. 578.  A response is due on November 3, 2014.

October 15, 2014

Pfizer filed a motion to dismiss in Case No. 2:14-cv-1951 for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See Dkt. No. 571.  A response is due on November 3, 2014.

October 9, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 20, which grants in part Plaintiffs' motion to stay discovery in three cases where remand motions are pending and grants Plaintiff's motion to dismiss in Case No. 2:14-cv-1756.  See CMO 20 for details.

October 3, 2014

Pfizer filed a Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings in multiple Texas cases.  See Dkt. No. 551.  Plaintiffs' response is due on October 20, 2014.

October 1, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 19, which sets deadlines to file Short Form Complaints in cases transferred to the MDL and sets an amended schedule.  See CMO 19 for details.

September 26, 2014

Plaintiffs in Case Nos. 2:14-cv-03173, 2:14-cv-03367, and 2:14-cv-03592 filed a Motion to Remand.  See Dkt. No. 524.  The Court referred this motion to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.  See Dkt. No. 528.

September 23, 2014

Per the parties' request, the Court rescheduled the November Status Conference for November 13, 2014, at 10 A.M.  See Dkt. No. 502.

September 22, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 18, which addresses discovery issues and sets the dates for future status conferences.  See CMO 18 for details.

September 19, 2014

The seventh status conference was held. The Court and the parties discussed scheduling and discovery issues.  The parties are to submit a joint proposed scheduling order with a trial date on or after October 1, 2015.

September 11, 2014

The Court referred Plaintiffs' Motion to Remand in Williams  v. Pfizer, 2:14-3235 to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.

September 10, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 17, which dismisses, with prejudice, the claims of twenty Plaintiffs for failure to comply with their discovery obligations under CMO 5 & CMO 6.  See CMO 17 for details.

Pfizer filed motions to dismiss certain cases for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See Dkt. Nos. 471, 472.

September 8, 2014

The Court referred Plaintiffs' Motion to Remand in Sehovic v. Pfizer, 2:14-3254 to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.

August 15, 2014

The Court issued Case Managment Order No. 16, which adopted a Defendant Fact Sheet for Discovery Pool cases and an accompanying protective order.  See CMO 16 for details.

The sixth status conference was held.  The Court and the parties discussed various discovery issues and the status of related state court cases.

August 12, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 15, which dismissed certain actions without prejudice but with conditions that Plaintiffs must meet if they seek to refile their actions.  See CMO 15 for details.

Pfizer filed a motion to dismiss certain cases for failure to comply with discovery obligations.  See Dkt. No. 410.

August 5, 2014

Pfizer filed motions for judgment on the pleadings in Case Nos. 2:14-cv-01126-RMG and 2:14-cv-01756-RMG.  See Dkt. Nos. 376, 377.

August 4, 2014

After a telephone conference with the parties, the Court issued Case Management Order No. 14, which relates to the production of Adverse Event Source Files.  See CMO 14 for details.

July 18, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 13, which modified filing practices in the MDL.  See CMO 13 for details.

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 12, which dismissed certain actions without prejudice but with conditions that Plaintiffs must meet if they seek to refile their actions.  See CMO 12 for details.

The fifth status conference was held.  The Court and the parties discussed Plaintiffs' motions to voluntarily dismiss, various discovery issues and the status of related state court cases.

July 15, 2014

The Magistrate Judge issued an Order granting Plaintiffs' Motion to Remand in Hoffman, et. al. v. Pfizer, Case No. 2:14-cv-2253.  The parties have two weeks to file objections.  See Dkt. No. 36 in Case No. 2:13-cv-2253 for details.

July 8, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 11, which denied without prejudice Defendants' request for jurisdictional discovery in 81 cases where motions to remand are pending.  See CMO 11 for details.

July 3, 2014

Pfizer identified its final three Discovery Pool cases.

June 27, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 10, which granted in part Plaintiffs' motion to stay discovery in 81 cases, set a briefing schedule on Plaintiffs' motions to remand, and referred Plaintiffs' motions to remand to the Magistrate Judge.  See CMO 10 for details.

June 23, 2014

Plaintiffs filed motions to remand in 83 cases.  See Dkt. Nos. 267, 268, and 269.

Pfizer identified four of its seven Discovery Pool cases.

June 20, 2014

Upon consent of the parties, the Court granted Pfizer's request for an extention until July 3, 2014, to select three of its Discovery Pool Cases.  See Dkt. No. 261.

Plaintiffs identified seven cases for the Discovery Pool.

June 16, 2014

The Court granted three unopposed motions to transfer cases for trial.  These three cases will be transferred to the requested districts at the conclusion of all pre-trial proceedings.  See Dkt. No. 209.

June 13, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 9, which discusses outstanding deficiencies in Plaintiff Fact Sheets and requires the parties to file proposed Defendant Fact Sheet(s) by June 18, 2014.  See CMO 9 for details.

The fourth status conference was held.  The Court and the parties discussed outstanding Plaintiff Fact Sheets, the process for selecting Discovery Pool cases, the filing of remand motions, and discovery issues.

June 12, 2014

The Court referred Plaintiffs' Motion to Remand in Hoffman et al v. Pfizer, 2:14-cv-2253 to Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant.

June 2, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 8, which governs master pleadings and approves a Short Form Complaint.  See CMO 8 for details.

May 29, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 6B, which amends the schedule for identifying cases triable by the Court.  See CMO 6B for details.

May 28, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 6A, which provides additional guidelines concerning the production of attachments to custodial file documents.  See CMO 6A for details.

May 22, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 7, which orders Pfizer to proceed with the production of electronic custodial files using the search terms suggested by Plaintiffs.  See CMO 7 for details.

May 16, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 6, which provides a procedure for selecting cases for the Discovery Pool, a procedure for selecting the first two bellwether trials, a schedule through the first bellwether trial, and the Court's rulings on certain discovery disputes.  See CMO 6 for further details.

May 16, 2014

The third status conference was held.  The Court and the parties discussed selecting cases for the Discovery Pool, scheduling, search protocols for custodial files, and master pleadings.

May 2, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 5, which adopts a Plaintiff Fact Sheet with accompanying Instructions, Definitions, and Mandatory Disclosures.  See CMO 5 for further details.

April 25, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 4, which, among other things, provides guidelines for Plaintiffs' Counsel's time and expense submissions, authorizes direct filing in accordance with certain procedures, adopts the Joint Confidentiaility and Protective Order entered by the Court in Lipitor cases prior to the creation of the MDL, contains a preliminary discovery plan, and sets the next status conference for May 16, 2014 at 10 A.M.  See CMO 4 for further details.

April 25, 2014

The second status conference was held.  The Court and the parties discussed direct filing, scheduling, and the process for selecting bellwether trials.

April 8, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 3, which appoints Plaintiffs’ Leadership Team and sets the next status conference for April 25, 2014, at 10 A.M.  Blair Hahn of Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC was appointed as Plaintiffs’ Lead Counsel, and Mark C. Tanenbaum was appointed as Plaintiffs’ Liaison Counsel.  See CMO 3 for further details.

March 28, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 2, which sets protocols for monthly status conferences, solicits applications for Plaintiffs’ Leadership Team, and provides guidelines for motions practice.  See CMO 2 for further details.

March 27, 2014

The initial status conference was held.  Plaintiffs’ counsel presented a proposed leadership slate to the Court.  Counsel provided updates on related state court cases and related federal cases not yet transferred to this district.

March 24, 2014

The Court granted Pfizer’s unopposed motion for an extension of time to respond to any complaints pending in or transferred to the MDL until otherwise ordered.  See Dkt. No. 58.

February 26, 2014

The Court issued Case Management Order No. 1, which consolidates all actions for pretrial purposes, provides guidelines for ECF filing in the MDL, and sets the initial status conference for March 27, 2014, at 2 P.M.  See CMO 1 for further details.

February 19, 2014

The Transfer Order from the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation was docketed by the Clerk in the District of South Carolina.