Pfizer Not Liable in Zoloft Patient’s Death

A federal judge in Los Angeles ruled that Pfizer Inc. isn’t liable to the family of a man who committed suicide. The family claimed that Pfizer’s alleged failure to warn physicians and patients that depression drug Zoloft may have dangerous side effects contributed to the death.

Flora Motus, widow of Victor Motus, sued the world’s largest drug maker last year for allegedly failing to disclose on Zoloft’s packaging that the drug can cause some people to think or act in suicidal ways. Victor Motus killed himself in 1998, six days after his doctor prescribed the drug.

U.S. District Judge Howard Matz, in a decision dated Thursday, agreed with Pfizer’s argument that Motus’ doctor wouldn’t have acted differently if adequate warnings had been provided about Zoloft’s potential side effects. Motus’ doctor said in his deposition that he didn’t rely on information from Pfizer when deciding to prescribe Zoloft or discuss potential side effects with his patient.

Shares of New York-based Pfizer fell 23 cents to $40.77on the NYSE.