P.M. BRIEFING : Searle Wins Suit on Copper IUD
<i> From Times wire services </i>
BOSTON —
A federal jury today rejected a woman’s claims that she was injured by an intrauterine copper contraceptive made by G. D. Searle & Co.--the 15th such victory for the Chicago pharmaceuticals maker in 19 prosecutions.
The jury in U.S. District Judge Rya Zobel’s court concluded that the Cu-7 device was not responsible for any alleged injury of the plaintiff, Cindy Nickerson. The jury also found in favor of the other defendant, Ortho Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of the Lippes Loop intrauterine contraceptive.
Three years ago, Searle discontinued its IUD business in the United States, citing what it called difficulty in getting product liability insurance and the cost of defending against suits.
