Merck Gets Defect Claims Dismissed in HPV Vaccine Litigation

Patients can’t proceed with their claims that Merck & Co.'s Gardisil, a vaccine for human papillomavirus, was defectively designed or manufactured or that the company failed to adequately warn them of the vaccine’s risks, a federal judge said.

The US District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, which is overseeing consolidated litigation over the vaccine, on Wednesday rejected the plaintiffs’ assertion that they aren’t bringing defective design claims since the complaint targets Gardasil’s ingredients and development process. The court partially granted Merck’ motion for judgment in two cases, and the ruling will be considered a “bellwether” motion to ...