TERRY L. WOOTEN, District Judge.
This action was removed to this Court from the Court of Common Pleas for Horry County, South Carolina on January 30, 2009. (Doc. # 1). The plaintiffs, William R. Fisher and Silbray N. Fisher ("plaintiffs"), who are husband and wife, allege William Fisher ("Mr. Fisher") suffers from Tardive Dyskinesia caused by his long-term
Before the Court are several motions filed by the plaintiffs and PLIVA. On December 10, 2010, PLIVA filed a motion to dismiss based on federal preemption (Doc. # 104) and a motion for summary judgment (Doc. # 112). The plaintiffs filed responses to these motions (Docs. 130, 134), to which PLIVA submitted replies (Docs. 146, 147). On April 19, 2011, the plaintiffs filed a motion for partial summary judgment. (Doc. # 160). PLIVA filed a response to this motion (Doc. # 174), to which the plaintiffs submitted a reply (Doc. # 176). PLIVA also filed a surreply to the plaintiffs' reply (Doc. # 187), and the plaintiffs submitted a response to PLIVA's surreply (Doc. # 193). In light of the Supreme Court's decision in PLIVA, Inc. v. Mensing, ___ U.S. ___, 131 S.Ct. 2567, 180 L.Ed.2d 580 (2011), where it considered the issue of federal preemption of state-law failure to warn claims involving generic drug manufacturers, this Court, on July 5, 2011, directed the plaintiffs and PLIVA to file supplemental briefing. (Doc. # 180). The parties submitted their supplemental briefs on July 25, 2011. (Docs. 182, 183).
Also before the Court are PLIVA's motions to exclude testimony of the following expert witnesses: Suzanne Parisian (Doc. #106), Philip Seeman (Doc. #108), and David Ross (Doc. #110). Additionally, the plaintiffs have filed a motion to preclude Dr. Pelstring from offering any expert testimony or opinion (Doc. # 103) and motions to exclude testimony of the following expert witnesses: Raymond D. Harbison (Doc. # 157), Steven Lamm (Doc. # 158), and James Morrison (Doc. # 159).
The Court has considered the applicable law, arguments of counsel, and memoranda submitted. These motions are now ripe for disposition.
The plaintiffs allege that Dr. Pelstring began prescribing metoclopramide to Mr. Fisher on about January 15, 2003 to treat symptoms of acid reflux disease. (Compl. ¶ 41). Dr. Pelstring allegedly continued to prescribe metoclopramide to Mr. Fisher until January 31, 2005. Id. The plaintiffs assert that Mr. Fisher's long-term use of metoclopramide caused him to develop Tardive Dyskinesia, which is an incurable neurological disorder that can cause involuntary and uncontrollable movements of the head, neck, face, arms, legs, and trunk in addition to grotesque facial grimacing and open-mouthed, uncontrollable tongue movements, tongue thrusting, tongue chewing, and other involuntary movements. (Compl. ¶¶ 32-33). In 2005, Dr. Pelstring referred Mr. Fisher to a neurologist, Dr. Michael McCaffrey, who examined Mr. Fisher on May 25, 2005. Id. ¶¶ 42-43. Although the plaintiffs assert in the complaint that during this examination Mr. Fisher was diagnosed with drug-induced Tardive Dyskinesia, id. ¶ 43, the plaintiffs now argue that this date is incorrect. Instead, they allege in their response to PLIVA's motion for summary judgment that Dr. McCaffrey diagnosed Tardive Dyskinesia on July 13, 2005, but
Because the plaintiffs are asserting a medical malpractice claim against Dr. Pelstring and in accordance with South Carolina Code Annotated § 15-79-125, the plaintiffs filed a Notice of Intent to File Suit on May 22, 2008, in the Court of Common Pleas for Horry County, South Carolina before initiating this lawsuit. They initiated this lawsuit by filing their complaint in the same court on January 16, 2009. The lawsuit was then removed to this Court on January 30, 2009. (Doc. #1). In addition to their medical malpractice claim against Dr. Pelstring, the plaintiffs assert causes of action for strict products liability based on warning defects, manufacturing defects, and design defects; breach of express warranty; breach of implied warranties; negligence; negligent misrepresentation; breach of undertaking a special duty; fraud and misrepresentation; constructive fraud; fraud by concealment; violation of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act; intentional infliction of emotional distress; and loss of consortium.
PLIVA argues in its motion to dismiss that federal law preempts the plaintiffs' state law claims. Federal law imposes complex drug labeling requirements, which involve proof by a manufacturer seeking federal approval to market a new drug that the drug is safe and effective and that the proposed label is accurate and adequate, a process which involves costly and lengthy clinical testing. PLIVA, Inc. v. Mensing, ___ U.S. ___, 131 S.Ct. 2567, 2574, 180 L.Ed.2d 580 (2011) ("Mensing"). In 1984, Congress enacted the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act, 98 Stat. 1585, commonly called the Hatch-Waxman Amendments. Id. This law allowed "generic drugs" to "gain FDA approval simply by showing equivalence to a reference listed drug that has already been approved by the FDA," thereby allowing inexpensive development of generic drugs. Id. "A generic drug application must also `show that the [safety and efficacy] labeling proposed ... is the same as the labeling approved for the [brand-name] drug.'" Id. (quoting 21 U.S.C. § 355(j)(2)(A)(v)) (alterations and omission in original). Thus, "brand-name and generic drug manufacturers have different federal drug labeling duties." Id. "A brand-name manufacturer seeking new drug approval is responsible for the accuracy and adequacy of its label." Id. On the other hand, a generic drug manufacturer "is responsible for ensuring that its warning label is the same as the brand name's." Id. At issue in the Supreme Court's decision in PLIVA, Inc. v. Mensing and also at issue in this case is "whether, and to what extent, generic drug manufacturers may change their labels after initial FDA approval." Id.
The plaintiffs "contend that PLIVA failed to adequately warn consumers and physicians of a far greater risk of developing tardive dyskinesia than suggested by its product label, and that PLIVA breached its obligation to assess the risks associated with metoclopramide exposure." Pl.'s Resp. to PLIVA's Mot. to Dismiss, p. 3 (Doc. # 134). PLIVA argues in its motion to dismiss that the plaintiffs' state law claims are preempted by federal law because they "place generic drug manufacturers in the untenable position of choosing between state and federal law. If a manufacturer complies with federal law governing generic drugs it can be held
In Mensing, the Supreme Court ruled on this issue and held that impossibility preemption applies to state tort law claims based on generic drug manufacturers' failure to provide adequate warning labels for generic metoclopramide. Mensing, 131 S.Ct. at 2572. The Court largely accepted the reasoning advanced by PLIVA, namely that if manufacturers of metoclopramide independently seek to satisfy their state law duties by changing their labels, they violate federal law. Id. at 2577-78. Even assuming federal law imposes a duty on a generic drug manufacturer that becomes aware of safety problems to request a strengthened warning, the Court concluded preemption still applies, reasoning that "[t]he question for `impossibility' is whether the private party could independently do under federal law what state law requires of it." Id. at 2576-77, 2579. The Court held that "when a party cannot satisfy its state duties without the Federal Government's special permission and assistance, which is dependent on the exercise of judgment by a federal agency, that party cannot independently satisfy those state duties for pre-emption purposes." Id. at 2580-81.
After the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Mensing, this Court directed the parties to submit supplemental briefing. PLIVA asserts that the Mensing decision controls the disposition of this case and means that all of the plaintiffs' causes of action should be dismissed. However, the plaintiffs argue, based on certain documents they recently learned existed that had been requested in discovery but never produced, that Mensing is not dispositive of this case.
Contrary to PLIVA's assertion, this possible deviation impacts the Court's analysis of its motion to dismiss. Once the FDA approved the addition of these warnings to the Reglan label, PLIVA has not indicated that any federal law prevented PLIVA from also adding these warnings to its generic metoclopramide products.
Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56(a), the moving party is entitled to summary judgment if the pleadings, responses to discovery, and the record reveal that "there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to
Though the moving party bears this initial responsibility, the nonmoving party, must then produce "specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial." Fed R. Civ. P. 56(e); see Celotex, 477 U.S. at 324, 106 S.Ct. 2548. In satisfying this burden, the nonmoving party must offer more than a mere "scintilla of evidence" that a genuine dispute of material fact exists, Anderson, 477 U.S. at 252, 106 S.Ct. 2505, or that there is "some metaphysical doubt" as to material facts. Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586, 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986). Rather, the nonmoving party must produce evidence on which a jury could reasonably find in their favor. See Matsushita, 475 U.S. at 587, 106 S.Ct. 1348.
In considering a motion for summary judgment, this Court construes all facts and reasonable inferences in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. See Miltier v. Beorn, 896 F.2d 848, 852 (4th Cir.1990). Summary judgment is proper "[w]here the record taken as a whole could not lead a rational trier of fact to find for the non-moving party, there [being] no genuine issue for trial." Matsushita, 475 U.S. at 587, 106 S.Ct. 1348 (1986) (internal quotations omitted).
PLIVA asserts that the plaintiffs' claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations, which the parties agree is three years. See S.C.Code Ann. § 15-3-530. The parties also agree that a personal injury action accrues on the date that a "person knew or by the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known that he had a cause of action." S.C.Code Ann. § 15-3-535. "The exercise of reasonable diligence means simply that an injured party must act with some promptness where the facts and circumstances of an injury would put a person of common knowledge and experience on notice that some right of his has been invaded or that some claim against another party might exist." Snell v. Columbia Gun Exchange, Inc., 276 S.C. 301, 278 S.E.2d 333, 334 (1981). The "standard as to when the limitations period begins to run is objective rather than subjective." Burgess v. Am. Cancer Soc'y, S.C. Div., Inc., 300 S.C. 182, 386 S.E.2d 798, 800 (S.C.Ct.App.1989). "The burden of establishing the bar of the statute of limitations rests upon the one interposing it." Brown v. Finger, 240 S.C. 102, 124 S.E.2d 781, 786 (1962). If the materials facts as to whether the statute of limitations is a bar are in dispute, "the issue becomes one for the jury." Columbia Venture, LLC v. Dewberry & Davis, LLC, 604 F.3d 824, 829 (4th Cir.2010) (citing Brown, 124 S.E.2d at 786) (applying South Carolina law); see also Garner v. Houck, 312 S.C. 481, 435 S.E.2d 847, 849 (1993) ("If there is conflicting evidence as to whether a claimant knew or should have known he or she had a cause of action, the question is one for the jury.").
The plaintiffs filed their complaint on January 16, 2009. Included in the lawsuit is a medical malpractice claim against Dr. Pelstring, which means South Carolina Code Annotated § 15-79-125 applies if the plaintiffs' claims arose after July 1, 2005.
In support of its position, PLIVA refers to deposition testimony by various doctors and to Mr. Fisher's medical records. On April 11, 2005, Dr. Pelstring indicated in his notes that Mr. Fisher was taken off Reglan nine days ago and after five days began to feel more alert and steadier on his feet. (Southern Medical Associates' medical records ("SMA R."), FISHER CO00020-21) (Doc. # 112, attach. 6). At his deposition, Dr. Pelstring testified that he observed a tremor during this visit also. (Pelstring Dep. pp. 116-17) (Doc. # 112, attach. 8). According to the complaint, Dr. Pelstring referred Mr. Fisher to a neurologist, Dr. Michael McCaffrey. (Compl. ¶ 42) (Doc. # 1, attach. 3). Dr. McCaffrey examined Mr. Fisher on May 25, 2005. Id. ¶ 43. Prior to Mr. Fisher's evaluation by Dr. McCaffrey, the Fishers completed a "Patient Data Base" form, dated May 25, 2005, on which Mr. Fisher reported that "after taking Reglan 10 mg since 1-03," he had uncontrolled shaking and jerking, bad nerves, weakness, weak spells, wobbliness when walking, and depression. (Fisher Dep., Ex. 1) (Doc. # 112, attach. 11). Mr.
In response, the plaintiffs assert their claims accrued on May 15, 2008, when Dr. David Ross definitively diagnosed Mr. Fisher with Tardive Dyskinesia. Earlier the record reflects that, as the plaintiffs assert, Dr. McCaffrey wrote Tardive Dyskinesia under the heading "Impression" in his notes for his July 13, 2005, exam of Mr. Fisher, which was an indication that his impression was Tardive Dyskinesia had developed. Later, however, Dr. McCaffrey retracted this diagnosis on September 21, 2005.
In support of their argument, the plaintiffs refer to the medical records from Mr. Fisher's visits with Dr. McCaffrey. In his notes for his examination of Mr. Fisher on May 25, 2005, Dr. McCaffrey wrote under the heading "History of Present Illness" that Mr. Fisher started developing abnormal movements and was taken off Reglan, that Mr. Fisher "can develop spontaneous whole body dystonias suggestive of tardive dyskinesia," and that he "did not see any of these movements while in the office today." (Strand Regional Specialty Associates medical records ("SRSA R."), p. 1) (Doc. # 131, attach. 2). Dr. McCaffrey also indicated under the heading "Impression" that Mr. Fisher "may have problems with tardive dyskinesia secondary to Reglan." Id., p. 2. In his notes for Mr. Fisher's examination on June 8, 2005, Dr. McCaffrey stated that Mr. Fisher was being seen for follow-up of "ataxia/jerking thought to be secondary to tardive dyskinesia" and that this ataxia/jerking "is more than likely secondary to a mild/moderate case of tardive dyskinesia secondary to Reglan." Id., p. 3-4. For Mr. Fisher's examination on July 13, 2005, Dr. McCaffrey noted that Mr. Fisher was being seen in follow-up "for tardive dyskinesia" and that his impression was "tardive dyskinesia." Id., p. 5-6. However, for Mr. Fisher's next visit on September 21, 2005, Dr. McCaffrey noted that he had not seen, in his office, "any movements whatsoever to call [Mr. Fisher's] disorder tardive dyskinesia," that "it is unclear at this time whether any of [Mr. Fisher's] symptoms are secondary to Reglan," and that "all of [Mr. Fisher's] symptoms at present may be secondary to depression." Id., p. 7-8.
The plaintiffs also cite to deposition testimony by Dr. Pelstring and Ms. Fisher. During his deposition, Dr. Pelstring stated that he did not believe Mr. Fisher had Tardive Dyskinesia or Akathisia at the time he referred Mr. Fisher to a neurologist and that he believed Mr. Fisher's tremor was related to his anxiety disorder. Pelstring Dep. p. 119-20 (Doc. # 130, attach. 2). Ms. Fisher testified that Dr. McCaffrey did not appear to know what was causing Mr. Fisher's problems during the May 25, 2005, visit and that he indicated he would run some tests. (Fisher Dep. p. 33) (Doc. # 130, attach. 3). In addition, Ms. Fisher testified that she did not recall Dr. McCaffrey saying during the May 25th visit that Mr. Fisher may have Tardive Dyskinesia but that at a later visit he indicated that Mr. Fisher had Tardive Dyskinesia. Id. p. 33-34. Ms. Fisher also stated there was a lot of confusion with Dr. McCaffrey regarding Mr. Fisher's diagnosis. Id. p. 52-53.
Therefore, after careful consideration of the arguments of the parties and evidence in the record, the Court concludes there is an issue of fact at this stage of the litigation as to whether the plaintiffs' claims are timely. If their claims accrued before July 1, 2005, the plaintiffs do not receive the benefit of the tolling provision in South Carolina Code Annotated § 15-79-125, and their claims are time-barred. Viewed in a light most favorable to the plaintiffs and similar to the facts in Garner, no evidence has been presented to the Court "conclusively showing" that the Fishers knew or by the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known that they had a cause of action against PLIVA prior to July 1, 2005. Garner, 435 S.E.2d at 850. Moreover, much of the case law cited by the parties in their briefs supports the conclusion there is an issue of fact at this stage of the litigation. See Collins v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., 901 F.Supp. 1038,
The plaintiffs have requested an opportunity to amend the allegations in the complaint regarding the date of Mr. Fisher's diagnosis of Tardive Dyskinesia. The plaintiffs' request is granted. They shall have twenty (20) days from the filing date of this Order to file an amended complaint.
PLIVA asserts summary judgment should be granted because the plaintiffs cannot establish proximate cause. The plaintiffs do not dispute that proximate cause is an element of at least some of their claims. See Bray v. Marathon Corp., 356 S.C. 111, 588 S.E.2d 93, 95 (2003) ("A products liability plaintiff must prove the product defect was the proximate cause of the injury sustained."); Young v. Tide Craft, Inc., 270 S.C. 453, 242 S.E.2d 671, 675 (1978) (holding proximate cause is an "essential element" of negligence, breach of implied warranty, and strict liability theories of recovery); Small v. Pioneer Mach., Inc., 329 S.C. 448, 494 S.E.2d 835, 842 (S.C.Ct.App.1997) (holding proximate cause is an element of strict liability, warranty, and negligence theories of recovery).
PLIVA asserts summary judgment should be granted because Dr. Pelstring never read or relied on PLIVA's metoclopramide warnings and because the plaintiffs cannot show that Dr. Pelstring did not appreciate the risks of metoclopramide or would have acted differently if the package insert contained a different warning. PLIVA relies heavily on Odom v. G.D. Searle & Co. where the Fourth Circuit applied South Carolina law in affirming a grant of summary judgment to a manufacturer of an intrauterine device ("IUD"). Odom, 979 F.2d at 1001-04. In Odom, the plaintiff's treating physician "testified at length about his independent knowledge of the risk" of pelvic inflammatory disease from the use of an IUD, and "his own estimate of the risk actually exceeded that of" the plaintiff's expert. Id. at 1003. PLIVA also cites to Dr. Pelstring's deposition testimony in which he indicates the following: (1) he was aware Tardive Dyskinesia was a possible side effect of metoclopramide and is familiar with its symptoms, Pelstring Dep., pp. 141-43, 15-17 (Doc. # 112, attachs. 7, 8); (2) he read the Physician's Desk Reference insert for Reglan when it came on the market and was aware of the product and its risks, id. at 139; (3) he issued new prescriptions for Reglan a couple times a month in 2003 or 2004 for different conditions, id. at 22; (4) at the
In response, the plaintiffs argue it is axiomatic to conclude proximate cause requires proof that either the plaintiffs or Dr. Pelstring read PLIVA's specific metoclopramide label and that reading the brand-name Reglan label is not enough when PLIVA repeatedly asserts its label has to be the same as the brand-name label. The plaintiffs also argue they can prove proximate cause by demonstrating the chain of events resulting in Mr. Fisher's injuries would have been interrupted if a proper warning had been provided. They cite to Dr. Pelstring's deposition testimony that his understanding was that the risk of developing Tardive Dyskinesia as a side effect of metoclopramide was not significant enough to warrant a specific discussion with a patient in all circumstances. Pelstring Dep., pp. 68-70 (Doc. # 130, attach. 2). When questioned about the impact on his decision-making of a statement in the Physician's Desk Reference in 2003 or 2004 that the risk of a side effect such as Tardive Dyskinesia might be as high as 20 percent, Dr. Pelstring responded that if he was prescribing a medication for the first time and the risk was 20 percent, he would certainly mention the side effect to a patient.
There is not an abundance of case law in South Carolina on proximate cause in prescription drug cases and the learned intermediary doctrine, but Odom is most directly on point. However, Odom is distinguishable from this case because there was lengthy testimony from the treating physician in Odom that he understood the risks associated with using an IUD and his own estimate of the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease actually exceeded that of the plaintiff's expert. PLIVA has not cited any deposition testimony by Dr. Pelstring where his estimate of the risk of developing Tardive Dyskinesia exceeded that of the plaintiffs' experts in this case. To the contrary, Dr. Pelstring's testimony was that his understanding of the risk of developing Tardive Dyskinesia as a side effect was too small to warrant a specific discussion with a patient in all circumstances before prescribing the drug. Furthermore, Dr. Pelstring testified he read the Physician's Desk Reference insert for Reglan when it came on the market, which indicates he relied to some extent on the labeling for the drug when making treatment decisions.
"Where a medical causal relation issue is not one within the common knowledge of the layman, proximate cause cannot be determined without expert medical testimony." In re Bausch & Lomb Inc. Contacts Lens Solution Prod. Liab. Litig., 693 F.Supp.2d 515, 518 (D.S.C.2010) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). "To establish medical causation in a product liability case, a plaintiff must show both general causation and specific causation." Id. "General causation is whether a substance is capable of causing a particular injury or condition in the general population, while specific causation is whether a substance caused a particular individual's injury." Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). "If a plaintiff is not able to establish general causation, it is unnecessary to consider whether the plaintiff can establish specific causation." Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).
PLIVA argues that the testimony of the plaintiffs' proffered experts on the issues of general and specific causation should be excluded. Federal Rule of Evidence 702 provides that "[i]f scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise, if (1) the testimony is based upon sufficient facts or data, (2) the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods, and (3) the witness has applied the principles and methods reliably to the facts of the case." Thus, expert testimony is admissible if (1) the expert is qualified; (2) the evidence is relevant in that it relates to an issue in the case; and (3) the evidence is reliable. See Fed R. Evid. 702; Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharm., Inc., 509 U.S. 579, 589-91, 113 S.Ct. 2786, 125 L.Ed.2d 469 (1993). The Supreme Court has set forth the following list of non-exclusive, flexible factors to be used in assessing whether the reasoning or methodology underlying expert testimony is scientifically valid and whether the reasoning or methodology properly can be applied to the facts in issue: (1) whether a theory or technique can and has been tested; (2) whether the theory has been subjected to peer review and publication; (3) a consideration of the known or potential rate of error and the existence and maintenance of standards controlling the technique's operation; and (4) whether there is "general acceptance" of the theory or technique within the relevant scientific community. Daubert, 509 U.S. at 592-95, 113 S.Ct. 2786. The focus of the Rule 702 analysis is on the "principles and methodology" applied by the expert, not on the conclusions reached. Id. at 595, 113 S.Ct. 2786. The objective of the Court's gatekeeping role "is to make certain that an
PLIVA asserts in its motion for summary judgment that the testimony of the plaintiffs' proffered expert on the issue of general causation, Dr. Philip Seeman, should be excluded. PLIVA also filed a separate motion to exclude Dr. Seeman's testimony. (Doc. # 108). After careful consideration of the arguments submitted by the parties, the Court does not find at this stage of the proceedings that Dr. Seeman should be excluded from offering expert testimony on the issue of general causation. "General causation is established by demonstrating, often through a review of scientific and medical literature, that exposure to a substance can cause a particular disease (e.g., that smoking cigarettes can cause lung cancer)." Mary Sue Henifen et al., Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence 439, 444 (Fed. Jud. Ctr., 2d ed.). The plaintiffs argue and Dr. Seeman's report indicates that his opinions are based on medical literature relating to the issues in this case. Pl.'s Resp. to PLIVA's Mot. to Exclude Seeman's Test., pp. 3, 20 (Doc. # 132); Seeman's Expert Report, pp. 4-7 (Doc. #132, attach. 3). Additionally, the Court does not conclude at this time that Dr. Seeman's opinions are inadmissible to the extent they are based on in vitro testing and animal testing. See McClellan v. I-Flow Corp., 710 F.Supp.2d 1092, 1110-11 (D.Or.2010) ("[D]efendants cannot credibly argue that the reliance on in vitro and animals studies is scientifically invalid in this case. Whatever inadequacies arise from extrapolation will no doubt be addressed through vigorous cross-examination by defense counsel."); In re Neurontin Marketing, Sales Practices, & Prod. Liab. Litig., 612 F.Supp.2d 116, 159 (D.Mass.2009) (allowing expert witness that relied primarily on in vitro animal studies where expert's testimony was also supported by a long trail of literature and where the expert was "an exceptionally well-qualified individual who has applied methods generally accepted in his field").
PLIVA also argues that even if Dr. Seeman's testimony is admissible, it is entitled to summary judgment because his testimony does not establish that metoclopramide is capable of causing Tardive Dyskinesia in the general sub-population of which Mr. Fisher is a member. However, PLIVA provides no case law to support a finding that general causation requires such a showing. In addition, the case law cited by the parties to set forth the legal standard for general causation provides that it "`is whether a substance is capable of causing a particular injury . . . in the general population.'" In re Bausch & Lomb, 693 F.Supp.2d at 518 (quoting Knight v. Kirby Inland Marine Inc., 482 F.3d 347, 351 (5th Cir.2007)) (emphasis added). As a result, the Court finds no basis to conclude that general causation requires a showing that metoclopramide is capable of causing Tardive Dyskinesia in the general sub-population of which Mr. Fisher is a member. Therefore, PLIVA's motion to exclude the testimony of the plaintiffs' proffered expert on the issue of general causation, Dr. Seeman, (Doc. # 108) is
Finally, PLIVA asserts that Dr. Seeman's expert report which was served on October 20, 2010, should be excluded because the report was filed after the deadline set forth in the scheduling order for serving expert statements. The plaintiffs argue that Dr. Seeman merely updated his report to clarify portions of his testimony in his first deposition on August 24, 2010, by further explaining statements made in his original report, which was submitted on September 8, 2010. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(e) provides that a party which plans to use an expert witness at trial has a duty to supplement information contained in the expert's Rule 26(a)(2) report and given during the expert's deposition if the party learns in some material respect the report or testimony is incomplete or incorrect. See also Solaia Tech., LLC v. ArvinMeritor, Inc., 361 F.Supp.2d 797, 805-06 (N.D.Ill.2005) (discussing Rule 26(e) in the context of information given in an expert's report and deposition). Such supplementations must be disclosed by the time the parties' pretrial disclosures under Rule 26(a)(3) are due. Fed.R.Civ.P. 26(e)(2). Based on the language in Rule 26(e), this Court does not find that Dr. Seeman's October report should be excluded because it is untimely. The plaintiffs had an ongoing duty to supplement Dr. Seeman's report if it learned that in some material respect the report was incomplete or inaccurate. Moreover, PLIVA was not prejudiced by the supplementation because it had an opportunity to question Dr. Seeman about his October report at his second deposition on October 28, 2010. Therefore, PLIVA's motion to exclude Dr. Seeman's October expert report is denied.
PLIVA asserts it is entitled to summary judgment on the issue of specific causation because the testimony of the plaintiffs' proffered expert on the subject, Dr. David Ross, should be excluded. PLIVA has filed a separate motion to exclude Dr. Ross's testimony. (Doc. # 110). "Differential diagnosis, or differential etiology, is a standard scientific technique of identifying the cause of a medical problem by eliminating the likely causes until the most probable one is isolated." Westberry v. Gislaved Gummi AB, 178 F.3d 257, 262 (4th Cir.1999) (emphasis added). "A reliable differential diagnosis typically, though not invariably, is performed after physical examinations, the taking of medical histories, and the review of clinical tests, including laboratory tests, and generally is accomplished by determining the possible causes for the patient's symptoms and then eliminating each of these potential causes until reaching one that cannot be ruled out or determining which of those that cannot be excluded is the most likely." Id. (emphasis added) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). "A differential diagnosis that fails to take serious account of other potential causes may be so lacking that it cannot provide a reliable basis for an opinion on causation." Id. at 265. "However, a medical expert's causation conclusion should not be excluded because he or she has failed to rule out every possible alternative cause of a plaintiff's illness." Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Rather "[t]he alternative causes suggested by a defendant `affect the weight that the jury should give the expert's testimony and not the admissibility of that testimony,' unless the expert can offer `no explanation for why she has concluded [an alternative cause offered by the opposing party] was not the sole cause.'" Id. (second alteration in original)
In his expert report, Dr. Ross states that Mr. Fisher has two movement disorders caused by metoclopramide—Tardive Dyskinesia and Tardive Akathisia. Ross Report, p. 15 (Doc. # 110, attach. 18). He also states that Mr. Fisher suffered from metoclopramide-induced Parkinsonism but that the condition has resolved. Id. Additionally, he acknowledges that Mr. Fisher has numerous other medical conditions. Id. at pp. 15-16. After careful consideration of the arguments presented by the parties, this Court does not find at this stage of the proceedings that because Dr. Ross is a neuropsychiatrist and not a neurologist, he is unqualified to give an expert opinion regarding whether Mr. Fisher suffers from Tardive Dyskinesia and Tardive Akathisia. PLIVA also argues that Dr. Ross did not conduct a proper differential diagnosis because he failed to eliminate other possible causes of Mr. Fisher's conditions documented by Mr. Fisher's treating physicians. The Court does not find that Dr. Ross's opinion fails to take into account other possible causes of Mr. Fisher's medical problems to such an extent that his testimony is inadmissible. PLIVA indicates in its motion that Dr. Ross examined Mr. Fisher and reviewed at least some of his medical records, which is part of the differential diagnosis process. Further, the extent to which Dr. Ross's conclusions differ from those of Mr. Fisher's treating physicians is an issue for the jury to consider in weighing the testimony. Thus, the Court does not conclude that Dr. Ross's opinions should be excluded because they are not the result of an accepted scientific methodology. Therefore, (1) PLIVA's motion to exclude Dr. Ross's testimony (Doc. # 110) is
"In a products liability action, regardless of the theory on which the plaintiff seeks recovery, he must establish three elements: (1) he was injured by the product; (2) the injury occurred because the product was in a defective condition, unreasonably dangerous to the user; and (3) that the product at the time of the accident was in essentially the same condition as when it left the hands of the defendant." Small, 494 S.E.2d at 842; see S.C.Code Ann. § 15-73-10. "There are three defects a plaintiff in a products liability lawsuit can allege: 1) a manufacturing defect, 2) a warning defect, and 3) a design defect." Watson v. Ford Motor Co., 389 S.C. 434, 699 S.E.2d 169, 174 (2010). "When a manufacturing defect claim is made, a plaintiff alleges that a particular product was defectively manufactured." Id. "When a warning defect claim is made, a plaintiff alleges that he was not adequately warned of dangers inherent to a product." Id. Finally, "[w]hen a design defect claim is made, a plaintiff alleges that the product at issue was defectively designed, thus causing an entire line of products to be unreasonably dangerous." Id. In addition to their warning defect claim, the plaintiffs assert claims based on design and manufacturing defects.
The South Carolina Supreme Court has adopted the risk-utility test for a design defect claim under which a plaintiff must prove an alternative feasible design. Watson, 699 S.E.2d at 178 n. 4; see also Branham v. Ford Motor Co., 390 S.C. 203, 701 S.E.2d 5, 16 (2010) ("In sum, in a product liability design defect action, the plaintiff must present evidence of a reasonable alternative design."). The plaintiffs
A manufacturing defect claim is an allegation "that a particular product was defectively manufactured." Watson, 699 S.E.2d at 174. There is not an abundance of case law in South Carolina about how a manufacturing defect differs from other defects. Other courts have defined a manufacturing defect as existing "when a product does not conform to the design standards and blueprints of the manufacturer and the flaw makes the product more dangerous and therefore unfit for its intended or foreseeable uses." See Gerber, 392 F.Supp.2d at 922 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted) (applying Texas law) (granting summary judgment to a manufacturer on a plaintiff's manufacturing defect claim in a products liability action involving prescription drug Accutane); see also Wheeler v. HO Sports, Inc., 232 F.3d 754, 757 (10th Cir.2000) (applying Oklahoma law) ("A product is defective in manufacture if it deviates in some material way from its design or performance standards. The issue is whether the product was rendered unsafe by an error in the manufacturing process," which is "often established by showing that a product, as produced, failed to conform with the manufacturer's specifications." (internal quotation marks and citations omitted)); Wankier v. Crown Equip. Corp., 353 F.3d 862, 867 (10th Cir.2003) (applying Utah law) (holding that "a manufacturing defect claim, by its nature, involves a deviation from the product's design specifications, to the injury or potential injury of a user" and that "[t]he gravamen of the tort is not defective design but defective execution of the design"). At this stage of the litigation, the evidence supports a finding that there is an issue of fact as to whether some error in the manufacturing process caused the 2003 or 2004 changes to the Reglan labeling to not be included on some of PLIVA's metoclopramide labels. Therefore, PLIVA is not entitled to summary judgment on the plaintiffs' manufacturing defect claim.
A seller may create an express warranty in a number of ways, including "[a]ny affirmation of fact or promise, including those on containers or labels, made by the seller to the buyer, whether directly or indirectly, which relates to the goods and becomes part of the basis of the bargain." S.C.Code Ann. § 36-2-313(1). In addition, "[a]ny description of the goods which is made part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that the goods shall conform to the description." Id. In order to establish a breach of an express warranty, a plaintiff must show "the existence of the warranty, its breach
The next question before the Court is whether the plaintiffs' claim is preempted by federal law or, in other words, whether federal law directly conflicts with state law. See Mensing, 131 S.Ct. at 2577. "[S]tate and federal law conflict where it is `impossible for a private party to comply with both state and federal requirements.'" Id. (quoting Freightliner Corp. v. Myrick, 514 U.S. 280, 287, 115 S.Ct. 1483, 131 L.Ed.2d 385 (1995)). In Mensing, the Supreme Court held that federal law preempts "state tort-law claims based on certain drug manufacturers' alleged failure to provide adequate warning labels for generic metoclopramide." Id. at 2572. Further, the Court reached this conclusion assuming that federal law requires generic drug manufacturers to seek the FDA's assistance in convincing the brand-name manufacturer to change its label so that generic drug manufacturers can do so as well. Id. at 2577. In reaching its decision, the Court reasoned "it is enough to hold that when a party cannot satisfy its state duties without the Federal Government's special permission and assistance, which is dependent on the exercise of judgment by a federal agency, that party cannot independently satisfy those state duties for pre-emption purposes." Id. at 2580-81.
This Court finds that the same reasoning applies to the plaintiffs' breach of express warranty claim. State law imposes an obligation on sellers not to sell goods that fail to conform with affirmations of fact or promise made by the sellers with respect to the goods sold. Assuming the express warranty identified by the plaintiffs in this case is inaccurate, PLIVA would have to alter or omit the language at
PLIVA seeks summary judgment on the plaintiffs' claim that PLIVA breached the implied warranty of merchantability. "Unless excluded or modified . . ., a warranty that the goods shall be merchantable is implied in a contract for their sale if the seller is a merchant with respect to goods of that kind." S.C.Code Ann. § 36-2-314(1). South Carolina law sets forth several requirements that must be met for goods to be merchantable. See S.C.Code Ann. § 36-2-314(2) For purposes of the plaintiffs' claim, the only two which are relevant are that the goods, to be merchantable, "must be at least such as. . . pass without objections in the trade under the contract description" and "are fit for the ordinary purposes for which such goods are used." Id.
PLIVA argues that merchantable goods conform in all respects to applicable state and federal regulations establishing standards of quality and safety of goods and that its product satisfied this standard. PLIVA also asserts that liability for breach of an implied warranty of merchantability cannot rest on the mere fact that a prescription drug may cause certain side effects. Along these lines, PLIVA states that it is generally understood prescription drugs may react differently in different people, and "as there can be no assumed or `ordinary' benefit or risk by any individual prescription drug user, logic dictates that prescription drugs cannot be impliedly warranted as being fit for an `ordinary purpose.'" Mem. in Support of PLIVA's Mot. for Summ. J., p. 28 (Doc. # 112, attach. 1). Finally, PLIVA argues that the plaintiffs cannot show their damages were proximately caused by a breach of the implied warranty of merchantability because neither they nor Dr. Pelstring saw or relied on any warnings by PLIVA.
Although the FDA has never approved metoclopramide for use longer than twelve weeks, the plaintiffs argue that, in spite of this, PLIVA's label during the time Mr. Fisher took metoclopramide contained language encouraging long-term use. Specifically, the plaintiffs reference the following language under the "Indications and Usage" section of the label: "Metoclopramide is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with acute and recurrent diabetic gastric stasis." PLIVA's 2002 Metoclopramide Package Insert (Doc. # 130, attach. 7) (emphasis added). The plaintiffs also refer to language under the "Dosage and Administration" section:
This section of the label also provides that "[s]ince diabetic Gastric Stasis is frequently recurrent, metoclopramide therapy should be reinstituted at the earliest manifestation" and that "[e]xperience with esophageal erosions and ulcerations is limited, but healing has thus far been documented in one controlled trial using q.i.d. therapy at 15 mg per dose, and this regimen should be used when lesions are present, so long as it is tolerated." Id. (emphasis added). Based on this language, the plaintiffs argue that long-term use is an ordinary purpose for which metoclopramide is used even though the FDA has only approved the drug for short-term use.
After careful consideration, PLIVA's motion for summary judgment with respect to the plaintiffs' claim for breach of the implied warranty of merchantability is denied. PLIVA provides no authority in support of the argument that prescription drugs cannot be impliedly warranted as being fit for an ordinary purpose. Additionally, in light of the parties' indication that PLIVA's label omitted the 2004 warning that therapy should not exceed 12 weeks, the Court does not find as a matter of law that long-term use was not an ordinary purpose for which metoclopramide was used during the time period Mr. Fisher took the drug. Finally, the warranty of merchantability is implied in a contract for the sale of goods, "unless excluded or modified." See S.C.Code Ann. § 36-2-314(1). Thus, even if the plaintiffs or Dr. Pelstring read PLIVA's label and did not see a warranty of merchantability mentioned, the warranty would still apply unless the label excluded it. As a result, the Court does not reach the conclusion that the plaintiffs can only establish proximate cause if they or Dr. Pelstring read PLIVA's label. Again, PLIVA's motion for summary judgment on this claim is denied.
South Carolina law also provides for an implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose under which "[w]here the seller at the time of contracting has reason to know any particular purpose for which the goods are required and that the buyer is relying on the seller's skill or judgment to select or furnish suitable goods, there is unless excluded or modified. . . an implied warranty that the goods shall be fit for such purpose." S.C.Code Ann. § 36-2-315. If "the particular purpose for which a product is purchased is also the ordinary or intended purpose of the product, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for a particular purpose merge and are cumulative, such that a plaintiff may proceed upon either theory." Soaper v. Hope Indus., 309 S.C. 438, 424 S.E.2d 493, 495 (1992) (holding that plaintiff, who purchased film processing machine, "impliedly made known to [defendant] that his particular purpose for the machine was fast film processing" and that "[w]hen the machine failed in that purpose, it was both unmerchantable and unfit for its particular purpose").
At this time, there is an issue of fact as to whether PLIVA knew the metoclopramide it manufactured was being used for long-term treatment of gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, in light of the fact that its label may have been missing the 2004 warning that treatment should not exceed 12 weeks, this Court does not reach the conclusion that long-term treatment of gastrointestinal issues should not be considered a particular purpose for which metoclopramide is purchased. Finally, there is an issue of fact at this stage of the
PLIVA seeks summary judgment as to the plaintiffs' eighth cause of action for negligent misrepresentation. The elements of a cause of action for the common law tort of negligent misrepresentation under South Carolina law are: "(1) the defendant made a false representation to the plaintiff; (2) the defendant had a pecuniary interest in making the statement; (3) the defendant owed a duty of care to see that he communicated truthful information to the plaintiff; (4) the defendant breached that duty by failing to exercise due care; (5) the plaintiff justifiably relied on the representation; and (6) the plaintiff suffered a pecuniary loss as the proximate result of his reliance on the representation." Quail Hill, LLC v. Cnty. of Richmond, SC, 387 S.C. 223, 692 S.E.2d 499, 508 (2010) (citation omitted).
PLIVA also seeks summary judgment as to the plaintiffs' tenth cause of action for fraud and misrepresentation, their eleventh cause of action for constructive fraud, and their twelfth cause of action for fraud by concealment. Under South Carolina law, the elements of a cause of action for "fraud and deceit, based upon misrepresentation" include "(1) a representation; (2) its falsity; (3) its materiality; (4) either knowledge of its falsity or a reckless disregard of its truth or falsity; (5) intent that the representation be acted upon; (6) the hearer's ignorance of its falsity; (7) the hearer's reliance on its truth; (8) the hearer's right to rely thereon; (9) the hearer's consequent and proximate injury." M.B. Kahn Constr. Co. v. S.C. Nat'l Bank of Charleston, 275 S.C. 381, 271 S.E.2d 414, 415 (1980). "Failure to prove any one of the foregoing elements is fatal to recovery." Id. (citation omitted). "The key difference between fraud and negligent misrepresentation is that `fraud requires the conveyance of a known falsity, while negligent misrepresentation is predicated upon transmission of a negligently made false statement.'" Armstrong v. Collins, 366 S.C. 204, 621 S.E.2d 368, 375-76 (S.C.Ct.App.2005) (quoting Brown v. Stewart, 348 S.C. 33, 557 S.E.2d 676, 681 (S.C.Ct.App.2001)). "To establish constructive fraud all elements of actual fraud except the element of intent must be established."
PLIVA argues it is entitled to summary judgment on the plaintiffs' negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and constructive fraud claims because the plaintiffs have not identified any false representation PLIVA made in its label during the time Mr. Fisher took metoclopramide. It is not entirely clear from the plaintiffs' response to PLIVA's summary judgment motion what representation they assert is false, but there is some indication it is the statements on PLIVA's label which allegedly understate the risk of developing Tardive Dyskinesia while taking metoclopramide. Pl.'s Resp. to PLIVA's Mot. for Summ. J., p. 26 (Doc. # 130). Thus, the Court concludes the statements on the label regarding the risk of developing extrapyramidal symptoms which the plaintiffs argue create an express warranty are also the allegedly false representations that serve as the basis for its negligent misrepresentation,
With respect to the plaintiffs' fraud by concealment claim, an action for fraud based on concealment of truth lies when there is a duty to speak, which generally exists when there is a fiduciary relationship between the parties.
PLIVA seeks summary judgment on the plaintiffs' cause of action for breach of undertaking a special duty. The plaintiffs argue their claim is "viable because PLIVA had an active duty under FDA regulations to communicate adequate safety information regarding its metoclopramide to prescribing physicians, and under the doctrine of negligence per se, failure to fulfill these duties results in a cause of action under South Carolina law." Pl.'s Resp. to PLIVA's Mot. for Summ. J., p. 27 (Doc. # 130). As explained by the South Carolina Supreme Court, the concept of a special duty arises in the context of the public duty rule:
"The public duty rule is [thus] a negative defense which denies an essential element of the plaintiff's cause of action: the existence of a duty of care to the individual plaintiff." Arthurs ex rel. Estate of Munn v. Aiken Cnty., 346 S.C. 97, 551 S.E.2d 579, 582 (2001). An exception to the public duty rule "exists when a duty is owed to individuals rather than the public only." Jensen, 403 S.E.2d at 617. South Carolina courts have developed a six element test for determining "when such a `special duty' exists." Id. (emphasis added). Therefore, the concept of a special duty is an exception to the public duty rule. See id.; Arthurs, 551 S.E.2d at 583; Tanner v. Florence Cnty. Treasurer, 336 S.C. 552, 521 S.E.2d 153, 158 (1999); Bellamy v. Brown, 305 S.C. 291, 408 S.E.2d 219, 220-21 (1991).
PLIVA is entitled to summary judgment on the plaintiffs' cause of action for breach of undertaking a special duty because South Carolina, as discussed in the preceding paragraph, has not recognized a separate cause of action for breach of undertaking special duty but rather describes the concept of a special duty as an exception to the public duty rule. Therefore, PLIVA's motion for summary judgment is
PLIVA seeks summary judgment on the plaintiffs' cause of action for violation of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act ("UTPA"). The UTPA makes it unlawful to engage in "[u]nfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce." S.C.Code Ann. § 39-5-20(a). "In order to bring an action under the UTPA, the plaintiff must demonstrate (1) that the defendant engaged in an unlawful trade practice, (2) that the plaintiff suffered actual, ascertainable damages as a result of the defendant's use of the unlawful trade practice, and (3) that the unlawful trade practice engaged in by the defendant had an adverse impact on the public interest." Havird Oil Co. v. Marathon Oil Co., 149 F.3d 283, 291 (4th Cir.1998) (applying South Carolina law). "An act is `unfair' when it is offensive to public policy or when it is immoral, unethical, or oppressive. An act is `deceptive' when it has a tendency to deceive." Gentry v. Yonce, 337 S.C. 1, 522 S.E.2d 137, 143 (1999).
The UTPA does not apply to "[a]ctions or transactions permitted under laws administered by any regulatory body . . . of this State or the United States or actions or transactions permitted by any other South Carolina State law." S.C.Code Ann. § 39-5-40(a). The South Carolina Supreme Court has "interpreted this exemption to exclude from the UTPA those actions or transactions which are allowed or authorized by a regulatory agency or other statutes." Taylor v. Medenica, 324 S.C. 200, 479 S.E.2d 35, 44 (1996) (citing Ward v. Dick Dyer & Assoc., Inc., 304 S.C. 152, 403 S.E.2d 310 (1991)). PLIVA argues that its labeling is subject to the exclusion to the UTPA outlined in § 39-5-40(a) applying the same reasoning it asserts in its motion to dismiss based on federal preemption. However, PLIVA's motion for summary judgment on this issue is denied for the same reason its motion to dismiss is denied. More specifically, PLIVA has not indicated that any federal law or regulation prevented it from adding the 2003 and 2004 warnings to its generic metoclopramide labeling once the changes were approved for the brand-name Reglan label.
In its reply in support of its motion for summary judgment, PLIVA also argues that the pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated by the FDA, and as such, it is not subject to the UTPA. The UTPA defines "trade" and "commerce" as including "the advertising, offering for sale, sale or distribution of any services and any property. . . ." S.C.Code Ann. § 39-5-10(b). PLIVA has not presented any authority demonstrating that the pharmaceutical industry is not covered by the UTPA, and applying the definitions in the UTPA for trade and commerce, this Court does not conclude a clear basis exists for finding that the pharmaceutical industry is exempt from the UTPA. The one case PLIVA cites in support is a case where the South Carolina Supreme Court held that medical laboratory services constitute a trade under the UTPA. See Taylor, 479 S.E.2d at 44. Therefore, PLIVA is not entitled to summary judgment with respect to the plaintiffs' UTPA claim.
PLIVA asserts it is entitled to summary judgment on the plaintiffs' cause of action for intentional infliction of emotional distress ("IIED"). "In order to recover for intentional infliction of emotional distress, a plaintiff must establish . . . (1)
PLIVA seeks summary judgment on the plaintiffs' IIED claim because the plaintiffs have presented no evidence showing that PLIVA acted with the intention to cause Mr. Fisher emotional distress, because PLIVA's alleged conduct does not rise to the level of extreme and outrageous, and because the plaintiffs have not presented any evidence that Mr. Fisher suffers from severe emotional distress due to PLIVA's actions. After careful consideration, this Court does not find that PLIVA is entitled to summary judgment. More specifically, the Court does not conclude that PLIVA's conduct in failing to include the 2004 warning on some or all of its labels could not, as a matter of law, be considered reckless conduct. Additionally, the Court finds at this stage of the litigation that reasonable minds can differ such that a factual issue exists over whether PLIVA's conduct can be considered so extreme and outrageous as to permit recovery. Finally, the plaintiffs have presented evidence that Mr. Fisher suffered an injury as a result of taking metoclopramide— Tardive Dyskinesia and its accompanying impact on his life. As a result, PLIVA's motion for summary judgment with respect to the plaintiffs' intentional infliction of emotional distress claim is denied.
PLIVA argues it is entitled to summary judgment on Ms. Fisher's loss of consortium claim because all of Mr. Fisher's causes of action fail. See Lee v. Bunch, 373 S.C. 654, 647 S.E.2d 197, 202 (2007). Because the Court is not granting summary judgment with respect to all of Mr. Fisher's claims, PLIVA is not entitled to summary judgment on Ms. Fisher's loss of consortium claim.
PLIVA argues that the plaintiffs' claim for punitive damages should be stricken. "In order for a plaintiff to recover punitive damages, there must be evidence the defendant's conduct was wilful, wanton, or in reckless disregard of the plaintiff's rights." McCourt ex rel. McCourt v. Abernathy, 318 S.C. 301, 457 S.E.2d 603, 607 (1995). The Court finds that sufficient evidence has been presented in the record to conclude that PLIVA is
The plaintiffs seek summary judgment establishing that, as a matter of law:
In Mensing, the Supreme Court held that "state tort-law claims based on certain drug manufacturers' alleged failure to provide adequate warning labels for generic metoclopramide" are preempted by federal drug regulations. Mensing, 131 S.Ct. at 2572. The Court accepted the FDA's interpretation that generic drug manufacturers cannot use the "changes being effected" process to unilaterally strengthen their warning labels in a manner inconsistent with the brand-name label or issue additional warnings through "Dear Doctor" letters. Id. at 2575-76. Even assuming generic drug manufacturers have a duty to seek the FDA's help in strengthening their warning labels if they believe stronger warnings are needed, the Court concluded preemption exists because requesting FDA assistance would satisfy their federal duties but not their state tort-law duties to provide adequate labeling. Id. at 2576-78. The Court reasoned preemption applied because generic drug manufacturers could not independently do under federal law what state law required of them. Id. at 2579.
Assuming a generic drug manufacturer has a duty to monitor scientific literature and discovers the labeling on its product understates the risk of a certain side effect, unless it has the ability to legally change its labeling or inform a prescribing physician about the issue, the fact that it performed this duty will not prevent the patient from being harmed by its drug. In light of the decision in Mensing, the plaintiffs have not demonstrated a method consistent with federal law in which PLIVA can, without the FDA's assistance, change its labeling or notify treating physicians that its labeling, which is the same as the brand-name label, understates the risk of a certain side effect. See Mensing, 131 S.Ct. at 2580-81. Therefore, the Court does not reach a conclusion that a generic drug manufacturer's failure to monitor scientific literature, by itself, can serve as a basis for liability.
As for the plaintiffs' argument that PLIVA has a duty to ensure the adequacy and accuracy of its label, the parties recently indicated to the Court that at least some of PLIVA's generic metoclopramide labels did not include certain warnings added to the labeling for Reglan in 2003 and 2004. The plaintiffs seek a finding of negligence per se based on a breach by PLIVA of duties arising from certain federal and/or state statutes. However, the Court does not reach such a conclusion at this stage of the proceedings. The parties have cited no case law where a Court reached a finding of negligence per se because a generic drug manufacturer did not include a warning added to the brand-name label. Additionally, the evidence of record indicates that the warnings in question were not included on some of PLIVA's metoclopramide package inserts. The extent to which PLIVA's package
This Court previously granted summary judgment to defendants Wyeth and Schwarz and dismissed them from this action. (Doc. # 89). Wyeth and Schwarz seek the entry of final judgment under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(b). Rule 54(b) provides that "[w]hen an action presents more than one claim for relief—whether as a claim, counterclaim, crossclaim, or third-party claim—or when multiple parties are involved, the court may direct entry of a final judgment as to one or more, but fewer than all, claims or parties only if the court expressly determines that there is no just reason for delay." Thus, determining whether to enter judgment under Rule 54(b) involves a two-step process. Curtiss-Wright Corp. v. General Electric Co., 446 U.S. 1, 7-8, 100 S.Ct. 1460, 64 L.Ed.2d 1 (1980). First, a district court must determine that "it is dealing with a `final judgment,'" which means "[i]t must be a `judgment' in the sense that it is a decision upon a cognizable claim for relief, and it must be `final' in the sense that it is `an ultimate disposition of an individual claim entered in the course of a multiple claims action.'" Id. at 7, 100 S.Ct. 1460 (quoting Sears, Roebuck & Co. v. Mackey, 351 U.S. 427, 436, 76 S.Ct. 895, 100 L.Ed. 1297 (1956)). Second, "[o]nce having found finality, the district court must go on to determine whether there is any just reason for delay." Id. at 8, 100 S.Ct. 1460. To make this assessment, "a district court must take into account judicial administrative interests as well as the equities involved." Id. Appropriate considerations include "whether the claims under review [are] separable from the others remaining to be adjudicated and whether the nature of the claims already determined [is] such that no appellate court would have to decide the same issues more than once even if there were subsequent appeals." Id.
As explained by the Fourth Circuit, "[t]he chief purpose of a Rule 54(b) certification is to prevent piecemeal appeals when multiple claims are resolved in the course of a single lawsuit. The Rule also allows the district court to provide relief to litigants that would suffer undue hardship if final judgment is not entered on the adjudicated claim prior to the resolution of the unadjudicated claims." Braswell Shipyards v. Beazer East, Inc., 2 F.3d 1331, 1335 (4th Cir.1993). "Rule 54(b) certification is recognized as the exception rather than the norm. It should neither be granted routinely nor as an accommodation to counsel." Id. (citations omitted). "The burden is on the party endeavoring to obtain Rule 54(b) certification to demonstrate that the case warrants certification." Id. (citation omitted). The Fourth Circuit has outlined five factors a district court should consider in evaluating where there is no just reason for delay:
Having considered the arguments of both parties, this Court finds that the second and fifth factors set forth by the Fourth Circuit, at a minimum, weigh in favor of denying the instant motion. While the Court understands that Wyeth and Schwarz wish to bring a conclusive end to the litigation against them, granting the motion would force the plaintiffs to pursue a preemptory appeal or abandon their right to appeal the dismissal of their claims against Wyeth and Schwarz. Furthermore, the litigation between the plaintiffs and the remaining defendants is proceeding to the trial stage in light of this Order. Requiring the plaintiffs to pursue an appeal at the same time they are preparing their remaining claims for trial may negatively impact case management. See Meade v. Parsley, No. 2:09-cv-00388, 2010 WL 3432821, at *1 (S.D.W.Va. Aug. 31, 2010). In addition, depending on the outcome of the current litigation, the plaintiffs may decide to no longer pursue an appeal. See id. Therefore, the motion for entry of final judgment pursuant to Rule 54(b) filed by defendants Wyeth and Schwarz (Doc. # 102) is
For the reasons set forth herein, PLIVA's motion to dismiss based on federal preemption (Doc. # 104) is
The plaintiffs' request to amend the allegations in their complaint regarding the date of Mr. Fisher's diagnosis of Tardive Dyskinesia is
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Before the Court is the Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss the plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint filed by defendant PLIVA USA, Inc. ("PLIVA"). (Doc. # 209). Alternatively, PLIVA requests that the Court reconsider its September 30, 2011, Order (Doc. # 202) and enter judgment as a matter of law for PLIVA. (Doc. # 209). On November 29, 2011, the plaintiffs filed a response in opposition.
PLIVA moves pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6) to dismiss the plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. See Edwards v. City of Goldsboro, 178 F.3d 231, 243 (4th Cir.1999) ("The purpose of a Rule 12(b)(6) motion is to test the sufficiency of a complaint."). "To survive a motion to dismiss, a complaint must contain sufficient factual matter, accepted as true, to `state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.'" Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 129 S.Ct. 1937, 1949, 173 L.Ed.2d 868 (2009) (quoting Bell Atl. Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 570, 127 S.Ct. 1955, 167 L.Ed.2d 929 (2007)). "A claim has facial plausibility when the plaintiff pleads factual content that allows the court to draw the reasonable inference that the defendant is liable for the misconduct alleged." Id. (citing Twombly, 550 U.S. at 556, 127 S.Ct. 1955). "Determining whether a complaint states a plausible claim for relief [is] . . . a context-specific task that requires the reviewing court to draw on its judicial experience and common sense." Id. at 1950; see also Harman v. Unisys Corp., 356 Fed.Appx. 638, 640 (4th Cir.2009). "[T]he tenet that a court must accept as true all of the allegations contained in a complaint is inapplicable to legal conclusions." Id. at 1949. Thus, "[t]hreadbare recitals of the elements of a cause of action, supported by mere conclusory statements, do not suffice." Id. (citing Twombly, 550 U.S. at 555, 127 S.Ct. 1955). "When there are well-pleaded factual allegations, a court should assume their veracity and then determine whether they plausibly give rise to an entitlement to relief." Id. at 1950.
Alternatively, PLIVA requests that the Court reconsider its September 30, 2011, Order (Doc. #202) pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(b), which provides that interlocutory orders which resolve fewer than all claims "may be revised at any time before the entry of [final] judgment." See also Fayetteville Investors v. Commercial Builders, Inc., 936 F.2d 1462, 1469 (4th Cir.1991) ("An interlocutory order is subject to reconsideration at any time prior to the entry of a final judgment.").
This Court's September 30, 2011, Order granted the plaintiffs' request to amend the allegations in their complaint regarding the date of Mr. Fisher's diagnosis of Tardive Dyskinesia. (Doc. #202, p. 16). The plaintiffs filed their First Amended Complaint on October 20, 2011. (Doc. # 204). In its motion to dismiss or, in the alternative, to reconsider, PLIVA notes that the plaintiffs made other changes aside from altering their allegations in connection with Mr. Fisher's diagnosis, including changing the plaintiffs' place of residence from South Carolina to North Carolina, omitting allegations that Mr. Fisher developed Tardive Akathisia, and omitting Silbray Fisher as a plaintiff and her loss of consortium claim.
As for the state of residence change, the plaintiffs indicate this change was intentional.
The plaintiffs shall have ten (10) days from the filing date of this Order to file a Second Amended Complaint. This Second Amended Complaint, if filed, may include Silbray Fisher as a plaintiff and the allegations the plaintiffs assert were inadvertently left off the First Amended Complaint, specifically Silbray Fisher's loss of consortium claim and their assertion that Mr. Fisher developed Tardive Akathisia from his use of metoclopramide. The plaintiffs may also list their place of residence as Tabor City, North Carolina in the Second Amended Complaint. The defendants' responsive pleadings shall be due fourteen (14) days after the plaintiffs file their Second Amended Complaint. If the plaintiffs do not file a Second Amended Complaint, the First Amended Complaint and the parties and claims set forth in it will be the operative complaint in this case.
Under Count 6 of the First Amended Complaint, the plaintiffs assert a cause of action labeled "breach of implied warranties." In its motion to dismiss or reconsider, PLIVA argues this claim is based on the content of PLIVA's metoclopramide labeling and therefore preempted under the Supreme Court's decision in PLIVA, Inc. v. Mensing, ___ U.S. ___, 131 S.Ct. 2567, 2574, 180 L.Ed.2d 580 (2011). In Mensing, the Supreme Court held that federal law preempts "state tort-law claims based on certain drug manufacturers' alleged failure to provide adequate warning labels for generic metoclopramide." Id. at 2572. The Court reached this conclusion assuming that federal law requires generic drug manufacturers to seek the FDA's assistance in convincing the brand-name manufacturer to change its label so that generic drug manufacturers can do so as well. Id. at 2577. The Court reasoned that "it is enough to hold that when a party cannot satisfy its state duties without the Federal Government's special permission and assistance, which is dependent on the exercise of judgment by a federal agency, that party cannot independently satisfy those state duties for pre-emption purposes." Id. at 2580-81.
The plaintiffs assert under Count 6 that the metoclopramide Mr. Fisher ingested was "not of merchantable quality or safe or fit for its intended use." First Am. Compl. ¶ 145. The plaintiffs are thus asserting a claim for breach of the implied warranty of merchantability pursuant to South Carolina Code Annotated Section 36-2-314. Under Section 36-2-314, unless excluded or modified, "a warranty that the goods shall be merchantable is implied in a contract for their sale if the seller is a
After careful consideration, the Court finds that the plaintiffs' claim for breach of the implied warranty of merchantability remains viable after Mensing. Unlike an express warranty, the implied warranty of merchantability is not created by labeling content but rather is implied in a sales contract, unless excluded or modified, where the seller is a merchant of goods of the kind sold. See S.C.Code Ann. § 36-2-313; id. § 36-2-314. Without relying on PLIVA's labeling content, the plaintiffs could plausibly demonstrate that long-term use is an ordinary purpose for which metoclopramide is used or that the metoclopramide PLIVA manufactured is objectionable in the trade under the contract description.
PLIVA also asserts the plaintiffs' Original Complaint and their First Amended Complaint do not contain a cause of action for breach of the implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. See S.C.Code Ann. § 36-2-315. In response, the plaintiffs argue they clearly allege in Count 6 of the First Amended Complaint that "the metoclopramide manufactured by defendant was not merchantable and was not fit for its intended purpose." (Doc. # 223, p. 10); see also First Am. Compl. ¶¶ 142-48. The South Carolina Supreme Court has held that "where the particular purpose for which a product is purchased is also the ordinary or intended purpose of the product, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for a particular purpose merge and are cumulative, such that a plaintiff may proceed upon either theory." Soaper v. Hope Indus., 309 S.C. 438, 424 S.E.2d 493, 495 (1992). Accordingly, this Court concludes that under Count 6 of the First Amended Complaint the plaintiffs sufficiently plead causes of action for breach of the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Key to the Court's analysis in its September 30, 2011 Order (Doc. # 202), was the parties' indication in their briefing to the Court that PLIVA did not incorporate into its generic metoclopramide labeling certain FDA-approved warnings added to the brand-name labeling for Reglan in 2003 and July 2004.
In its motion to dismiss or reconsider before the Court, PLIVA argues that, similar to their negligent misrepresentation claim, the plaintiffs premise their negligence cause of action on statements in PLIVA's labeling regarding the risk of developing extrapyramidal symptoms and therefore this claim is preempted. However, this Court does not view the plaintiffs' pleadings so narrowly. The First Amended Complaint includes an allegation that PLIVA "marketed, manufactured and distributed Reglan/metoclopramide and encouraged the long term use of these drugs...." First Am. Compl. ¶ 25. The plaintiffs also allege the following: (1) PLIVA had a duty to ensure their metoclopramide warnings were accurate and adequate; (2) PLIVA failed to investigate the accuracy of its metoclopramide label; and (3) PLIVA "concealed the fact that the treatment of chronic or intermittent gastroesophageal reflux and/or diabetic gastroporesis, and/or other gastric disorders with Reglan/metoclopramide products for longer than 12 weeks is unlikely to be reasonably safe." First Am. Compl. ¶¶ 79, 81, 99. In addition, under their negligence claim against PLIVA (Count 7), the plaintiffs assert that PLIVA breached its "duty to exercise the care of an expert in all aspects of the formulation, manufacture, compounding, testing, inspection, packaging, labeling, distribution, marketing, and sale of Reglan/metoclopramide to insure the safety of its drug and to insure that the consuming public ... obtained accurate information and instructions for the safe use or non-use of this drug." First Am. Compl. ¶¶ 149-153. Accordingly, the Court finds that the plaintiffs sufficiently plead a theory of recovery for negligence based on the non-inclusion of the 2003 and 2004 warnings in PLIVA's label.
PLIVA asserts alternatively that even if the plaintiffs included an allegation that PLIVA failed to conform its generic metoclopramide labeling to the brand-name labeling, the allegation would be subject to dismissal. It argues such a claim is not actionable because the requirement to maintain sameness with the brand-name labeling is created by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ("FDCA") and the
PLIVA also argues that a state law claim must be premised on a duty that would exist in the absence of the FDCA, meaning the plaintiffs must show a state common law duty existed for a generic drug manufacturer to ensure its labeling always conformed to that of the brand-name drug. However, PLIVA provides no authority in support of this assertion, and assuming PLIVA's argument is accurate, this Court does not conclude that the duty which must exist in the absence of the FDCA should be defined as narrowly as PLIVA asserts.
Furthermore, "[a] supplier and manufacturer of a product are liable for failing to warn if they know or have reason to know the product is or is likely to be dangerous for its intended use; they have no reason to believe the user will realize the potential danger; and, they fail to exercise reasonable care to inform of its dangerous condition or of the facts which make it likely to be dangerous." Livingston v. Noland Corp., 293 S.C. 521, 362 S.E.2d 16, 18 (1987) (citing Gardner v. Q.H.S., Inc., 448 F.2d 238, 242 (4th Cir. 1971)); see also Claytor v. Gen. Motors Corp., 277 S.C. 259, 286 S.E.2d 129, 132 (1982). Placing the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act aside, PLIVA has not sufficiently demonstrated why not including on its labeling the 2003 warning specific to use of metoclopramide by geriatric patients and the 2004 warning about therapy exceeding twelve weeks cannot be considered a breach of its duty to warn.
Additionally, in its September 30, 2011 Order (Doc. # 202), this Court concluded that PLIVA may have had avenues available to communicate with physicians about the 2003 and 2004 label changes without seeking FDA approval first. In Mensing, the Supreme Court accepted the FDA's interpretation that generic drug manufacturers may not use "Dear Doctor" letters to send additional warnings to prescribing physicians because such letters are labeling and "must be `consistent with and not contrary to [the drug's] approved ... labeling.'" Mensing, 131 S.Ct. at 2576 (quoting 21 C.F.R. § 201.100(d)(1)) (alteration and omission in original); FDA Amicus Brief, pp. 18-19. If PLIVA had made
Having found that these two theories of recovery remain viable after Mensing and are sufficiently pled, this Court need not decide whether the plaintiffs' negligence claim may be maintained based solely on one or more of the other duties they assert exist in this case. PLIVA's motion to dismiss the plaintiffs' negligence claim is
PLIVA asserts the plaintiffs' fraud by concealment claim is based on statements on its labeling regarding the risk of developing movement disorders and is thus preempted under Mensing. However, under their fraud by concealment cause of action, Count 12, the plaintiffs allege that Mr. Fisher's treating physician, in reliance upon information disseminated by PLIVA, and "without knowledge of the undisclosed and knowingly concealed facts, determined that the benefits of prolonged Reglan/metoclopramide therapy outweighed the risks for their patients and prescribed a prolonged course of therapy for Plaintiff with Reglan/metoclopramide products." First Am. Compl. ¶ 188. After reviewing the First Amended Complaint in its entirety and particularly paragraph 188, the Court concludes that the plaintiffs sufficiently plead a claim for fraud by concealment based on PLIVA's alleged non-inclusion of the 2003 and 2004 warnings. Therefore, after careful consideration of this argument and PLIVA's other arguments in support of dismissing this claim, including its citation to Jimenez v. DaimlerChrysler Corp., 269 F.3d 439 (4th Cir. 2001), PLIVA's motion to dismiss the plaintiffs' fraud by concealment claim is
PLIVA argues the plaintiffs' cause of action for a violation of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act is preempted under Mensing because it is based on statements on the labeling regarding the risk of developing movement disorders. However, the plaintiffs' Unfair Trade Practices Act cause of action, Count 13, "repeats, reiterates, and re-alleges each and every allegation contained in [the First Amended Complaint] with the same force and effect as if fully set forth [t]herein." First Am. Compl. ¶ 191. Therefore, after reviewing the entirety of the First Amended Complaint and particularly the allegations referenced previously in this Order, the Court finds that the plaintiffs sufficiently plead a cause of action for violation of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act based on PLIVA's alleged non-inclusion of the 2003 and 2004 warnings. PLIVA's motion to dismiss this cause of action is
PLIVA also asserts that the plaintiffs' intentional infliction of emotional distress
A manufacturing defect claim is an allegation "that a particular product was defectively manufactured." Watson v. Ford Motor Co., 389 S.C. 434, 699 S.E.2d 169, 174 (2010). As this Court noted in its September 30, 2011 Order (Doc. # 202), there is not an abundance of case law in South Carolina about how a manufacturing defect differs from other defects. Other courts have defined a manufacturing defect as existing "when a product does not conform to the design standards and blueprints of the manufacturer and the flaw makes the product more dangerous and therefore unfit for its intended or foreseeable uses." See Gerber v. Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., 392 F.Supp.2d 907, 922 (S.D.Tex.2005) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted) (applying Texas law) (granting summary judgment to a manufacturer on a plaintiff's manufacturing defect claim in a products liability action involving prescription drug Accutane); see also Wheeler v. HO Sports, Inc., 232 F.3d 754, 757 (10th Cir.2000) (applying Oklahoma law) ("A product is defective in manufacture if it deviates in some material way from its design or performance standards. The issue is whether the product was rendered unsafe by an error in the manufacturing process," which is "often established by showing that a product, as produced, failed to conform with the manufacturer's specifications." (internal quotation marks and citations omitted)); Wankier v. Crown Equip. Corp., 353 F.3d 862, 867 (10th Cir. 2003) (applying Utah law) (holding that "a manufacturing defect claim, by its nature, involves a deviation from the product's design specifications, to the injury or potential injury of a user" and that "[t]he gravamen of the tort is not defective design but defective execution of the design"). In denying PLIVA's motion for summary judgment with respect to the plaintiffs' manufacturing defect cause of action, this Court reasoned that the evidence of record supported a finding there was an issue of fact as to whether an error in the manufacturing process caused the 2003 or 2004 changes to the Reglan labeling to not be included on PLIVA's metoclopramide labels. (Doc. # 202, p. 30).
PLIVA asserts the plaintiffs' manufacturing defect claim should be dismissed because the plaintiffs' allegations in the First Amended Complaint focus on the product, not the product labeling. For their manufacturing defect cause of action, the plaintiffs allege that "defects in the products were caused by the way the products were manufactured." First Am. Compl. ¶ 122 (emphasis added). Similarly, the plaintiffs also assert that "the defective products were ingested into Plaintiff's body, and the bodies of others, in the manner intended by the manufacturer and
The plaintiffs have not responded to the arguments PLIVA asserts in its motion to dismiss or reconsider regarding the plaintiffs' manufacturing defect claim. The plaintiffs also present no authority demonstrating that a manufacturing defect claim can be based on a warning which is left off a label due to an error in the manufacturing process as opposed to a deviation in the product itself caused by an error in its manufacture. Additionally, in their response (Doc. # 130) to the motion for summary judgment filed by PLIVA on which this Court ruled in its September 30, 2011 Order, the plaintiffs provided no evidence showing that the metoclopramide Mr. Fisher ingested deviated in some way from its design specifications or that it was rendered unsafe by an error in the manufacturing process. In light of the foregoing, this Court
PLIVA asserts that the plaintiffs' claim for punitive damages should be dismissed because they have not alleged sufficient facts to support an award of punitive damages. "In order for a plaintiff to recover punitive damages, there must be evidence the defendant's conduct was wilful, wanton, or in reckless disregard of the plaintiff's rights." McCourt ex rel. McCourt v. Abernathy, 318 S.C. 301, 457 S.E.2d 603, 607 (1995). After careful review of the First Amended Complaint, the Court finds the plaintiffs plead sufficient facts to support an award of punitive damages.
PLIVA requests that this Court reconsider its ruling that the tolling provisions set forth in South Carolina Code Annotated Section 15-79-125 apply to the plaintiffs' claims. In support, PLIVA argues that on May 22, 2008, in a separate lawsuit, the plaintiffs filed a Notice of Intent to File Suit that did not indicate any intent to file suit against PLIVA. In response, the plaintiffs assert the documents filed by PLIVA in removing this case to federal court, including the Notice of Intent to File Suit, clearly identify PLIVA as a defendant. The plaintiffs also assert they served PLIVA with the Notice of Intent on June 5, 2008, as evidenced by the affidavit of the private process server who served PLIVA with the document. In addition to the arguments advanced in its initial memorandum in support of its motion, PLIVA argues in its reply (Doc. # 227) that the plaintiffs did not comply with a prerequisite of Section 15-79-125 because PLIVA did not participate in mediation as required by that statute prior to the plaintiffs bringing this civil action.
The process server's affidavit is attached to the plaintiffs' response and indicates a letter and Notice of Intent were served upon PLIVA on June 5, 2008. (Doc. # 223, attach. 9). In addition, included with the documents filed when this case was removed is a Notice of Intent to File Suit that lists PLIVA in the caption as a defendant and states that William R. Fisher "intends to file suit against the Defendants Loris Health Care System, Loris Family Health Center, and Mark F. Pelstring, M.D. for medical malpractice." (Doc. # 1, attach. 1). PLIVA indicates in its Notice of Removal (Doc. # 1) that the Notice of Intent was filed in the Court of Common Pleas for Horry County, South
After careful consideration, the Court declines to alter its previous ruling in this case. Section 15-79-125 provides that "[p]rior to filing or initiating a civil action alleging injury or death as a result of medical malpractice, the plaintiff shall contemporaneously file a Notice of Intent to File Suit and an affidavit of an expert witness...." S.C.Code Ann. § 15-79-125(A). The Notice of Intent "must name all adverse parties as defendants," "contain a short and plain statement of the facts showing the party filing the notice is entitled to relief," and "be served upon all named defendants." Id. The plaintiffs sufficiently meet these requirements. The Notice of Intent (Doc. # 1, attach. 1) lists PLIVA as a defendant in the caption, has an expert witness affidavit attached, and contains a short and plain statement of the facts allegedly showing Mr. Fisher is entitled to relief. In addition, the plaintiffs have provided an affidavit from a process server indicating he served PLIVA with the Notice of Intent. (Doc. # 223, attach. 9). Moreover, the complaint filed initiating this lawsuit on January 16, 2009, is consistent with the statement of facts in the Notice of Intent and thus this Court does not conclude that Section 15-79-125 is rendered inapplicable by the complaint being filed under a different case number than the Notice of Intent. The Court also finds that Section 15-79-125 still applies even though PLIVA did not participate in mediation before the lawsuit was filed. No showing has been made that the medical malpractice defendants did not participate in pre-filing mediation with the plaintiffs or that PLIVA was prevented from participating in said mediation if it had wanted to do so. Finally, Section 15-79-125 provides that filing the Notice of Intent "tolls all applicable statutes of limitations." The statute thus tolls the limitations period for defendants against whom a medical malpractice claim is not asserted when joined with a defendant against whom a malpractice claim is alleged. Therefore, PLIVA's motion to reconsider the issue of whether Section 15-79-125 applies in this case is
In its September 30, 2011 Order, this Court did not conclude that the Fishers having only unconfirmed suspicions that Mr. Fisher may be experiencing a side effect of metoclopramide was enough to conclusively start the running of the limitations period prior to the alleged diagnosis by Dr. Ross on May 15, 2008. (Doc. # 202, p. 14). In its motion to reconsider, PLIVA asserts unconfirmed suspicions are enough and that the limitations period had started to run on the plaintiffs' claims by May 25, 2005. However, after a careful re-examination of the evidence cited by the parties and the applicable law, this Court declines to alter its previous ruling. "[T]he statute of limitations is triggered not merely by knowledge of an injury but by knowledge of facts, diligently acquired, sufficient to put an injured person on notice of the existence of a cause of action
After carefully re-examining the evidence the parties cite and the applicable case law, this Court declines to alter its prior ruling in connection with causation. The Court previously recognized Odom v.
As noted in this Court's September 30, 2011 Order, Odom is distinguishable from the facts currently before the Court. The possible alternative warnings in this case— the 2003 and 2004 warnings added to the brand-name Reglan label—are not nearly as "apocalyptic" as the proposed warning in Odom. See id. at 1003. These warnings were in fact added to the Reglan label and the product was able to remain on the market. Moreover, the record in this case in connection with Dr. Pelstring's knowledge of the risks for which the plaintiffs allege proper warnings were not given does not demonstrate as clear an understanding of those risks as the record in Odom. For example, testimony has not been cited showing Dr. Pelstring knew in 2004 that therapy with metoclopramide should not exceed twelve weeks. Based on the record before the Court, issues of fact remain regarding whether PLIVA breached its duty to warn treating physicians such as Dr. Pelstring and if a breach occurred, whether it caused the plaintiffs' injuries. PLIVA's motion for reconsideration of this Court's ruling on the issue of causation is
For the reasons set forth herein, PLIVA's motion for reconsideration (Doc. # 209) is
The plaintiffs shall have ten (10) days to file a Second Amended Complaint that is in accordance with this Order. If the plaintiffs file a Second Amended Complaint, the defendants' responsive pleadings will be due fourteen (14) days thereafter.
Additionally, some language was added to the "Warnings" section of the 2009 label, which provided that "[a]lthough the risk of [Tardive Dyskinesia] with metoclopramide has not been extensively studied, one published study reported a [Tardive Dyskinesia] prevalence of 20% among patients treated for at least 12 weeks. Treatment with metoclopramide for longer than 12 weeks should be avoided in all but rare cases where therapeutic benefit is thought to outweigh the risk of developing [Tardive Dyskinesia]." Id. In 2010, this language that was added to the "Warnings" section in 2009 was removed and the following language was added: "The risk of developing tardive dyskinesia increases with the duration of treatment and the total cumulative dose. An analysis of utilization patterns showed that about 20% of patients who used metoclopramide took it for longer than 12 weeks. Treatment with metoclopramide for longer than the recommended 12 weeks should be avoided in all but rare cases where therapeutic benefit is thought to outweigh the risk of developing [Tardive Dyskinesia]." Letter from FDA to Alaven Pharm. (July 20, 2010) (Doc. #174, attach. 12); 2010 Reglan label (Doc. # 174, attach. 13).
"A confidential or fiduciary relationship exists when one imposes a special confidence in another, so that the latter, in equity and good conscience, is bound to act in good faith and with due regard to the interests of the one imposing the confidence." Hendricks v. Clemson Univ., 353 S.C. 449, 578 S.E.2d 711, 715 (2003) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). "A relationship must be more than casual to equal a fiduciary relationship." Armstrong, 621 S.E.2d at 376 (citation omitted). Historically, the South Carolina Supreme Court "has reserved imposition of fiduciary duties to legal or business settings, often in which one person entrusts money to another, such as with lawyers, brokers, corporate directors, and corporate promoters." Hendricks, 578 S.E.2d at 716.
