Trial begins in lawsuit against maker of Zometa

MISSOULA, Mont. — A trial is under way in a Montana woman's lawsuit against Swiss drug maker Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., and attorneys say the verdict could have national significance.

Peggy L. Stevens sued Novartis last year, contending professional negligence for failing to disclose health risks associated with the bone-strengthening medication Zometa. Stevens, who has lymphoma, developed a degenerative jaw disorder after taking the drug.

Novartis faces Zometa-related lawsuits from about 550 plaintiffs nationwide. Many have been consolidated in a Tennessee federal court and New Jersey state court.

Linda Morris of Anchorage, Alaska, is a plaintiff in the consolidated case. She says her attorney attended parts of the Missoula trial last week because the verdict could set precedent for the other cases.

Information from: Missoulian, http://www.missoulian.com