A Texas federal jury has unanimously cleared J&J DePuy Orthopedics, Inc. unit of accusations it manufactured a dangerous and defective metal-on-metal hip implant, in a bellwether trial in multidistrict litigation over the company’s Pinnacle device.
The jury found in favor of the company on all counts, rejecting the plaintiff’s clams of negligence, defective design, failure to warn and violations of the Montana Consumer Protection Act. At issue was the Ultamet metal-on-metal articulation, sold for 13 years as a bearing option within the company’s Pinnacle system.
The evidence showed that the Ultamet Metal-on-Metal was designed to meet the needs of patients and is backed by clinical data showing a track record of safety and effectiveness in reducing pain and restoring mobility for patients suffering from chronic hip pain.
a DePuy spokesman said that the Ultamet was appropriately developed, thoroughly tested and responsibly marketed and siad the company remained committed to a long-term and vigorous defense against the allegations in coming trials.
Source: Law360