Merck Gardasil Injury Suits Should Be Combined, Plaintiffs Say

Merck & Co. should face a single federal proceeding over alleged injuries tied to the HPV vaccine Gardasil, because of the number of pending and expected lawsuits that present common issues, plaintiffs told a federal judicial panel.

Plaintiffs in 15 suits spanning 14 federal district courts told the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation that a unified proceeding will promote efficiency and prevent inconsistent decisions.

They allege they suffered autoimmune diseases or other serious side effects from Gardasil. The vaccine is given to prevent human papillomavirus, believed to cause cervical and other cancers.

At least 34 Gardasil autoimmune injury lawsuits ...