December 1, 2016 – Johnson & Johnson and DePuy will immediately begin preparing post-trial motions challenging the verdict returned against the companies today by a jury in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceeding in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Dallas. The trial consolidated six individual cases chosen by the plaintiffs’ executive committee concerning DePuy’s ULTAMET® Metal-on-Metal Articulation hip replacement.
“We have no greater responsibility than to the patients who use our products, and our goal is to create medical innovations that help people live more active and comfortable lives,” said Mindy Tinsley, spokesperson for DePuy. “DePuy acted appropriately and responsibly in the design and testing of ULTAMET Metal-on-Metal, and the product is backed by a strong track record of clinical data showing reduced pain and restored mobility for patients suffering from chronic hip pain.”
The companies filed numerous motions related to rulings that undermined the ability to properly and fairly defend against the allegations, including the decision to try the cases of the six plaintiffs together. During trial, the companies were forced to move for mistrial six times. The companies have strong grounds for appeal and remains committed to the long-term defense of the allegations in these lawsuits.
In the first MDL bellwether trial in October 2014, a jury returned a verdict in favor of Johnson & Johnson and DePuy. In a state case in 2015, a judge in Maryland granted summary judgment in favor of Johnson & Johnson and DePuy and dismissed the case. In the second MDL bellwether trial in early 2016, a jury found against Johnson & Johnson and DePuy, and the companies have appealed.
For additional information on ULTAMET Metal-on-Metal, please visit: www.UnderstandingULTAMET.com.
Media Contact Information
Mindy Tinsley
574-372-7136
mtinsley@its.jnj.com