A closely watched lawsuit against pharmaceutical giant Merck, tied to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has come to an abrupt halt mid-trial. The case, which centers on allegations that Merck’s human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil, caused severe health complications, will now reconvene in September with a new jury.
The decision to delay the proceedings came after attorneys for plaintiff Jennifer Robi approached Merck, requesting that the current jury be discharged. Merck agreed, emphasizing that it had not provided any financial or other incentives for the adjournment. The unexpected pause follows Kennedy’s confirmation as HHS secretary, a role that has drawn scrutiny due to his prior involvement in organizing mass litigation against Merck over the vaccine. Though he appeared at an early stage of the case, Kennedy has had no active role in the Los Angeles trial since assuming his new position.
Attorney Mark Lanier, representing Robi, acknowledged the challenge of conducting the trial while Kennedy’s confirmation hearings were unfolding. He also hinted at an upcoming scientific study related to Gardasil, expected before the trial resumes, though he did not provide further details.
Robi, now 30, alleges that receiving Gardasil as a teenager led to severe mobility impairment, confining her to a wheelchair. Her lawsuit accuses Merck of misrepresenting the vaccine’s safety and withholding critical information about potential risks. Merck firmly denies the claims, citing decades of scientific research supporting Gardasil’s safety and effectiveness.
Legal experts noted the unusual nature of the plaintiff’s request for a delay after years of litigation. The case, originally filed in 2016, had already cleared multiple legal hurdles before reaching trial. Meanwhile, parallel litigation over Gardasil is unfolding in a North Carolina federal court, which could influence the Los Angeles proceedings.
Before his confirmation, Kennedy assured a Senate committee that he would transfer his financial interests in Gardasil-related lawsuits to his adult son. However, his prior statements about retaining an interest in cases referred to certain law firms have drawn scrutiny.
Gardasil remains a widely recommended vaccine, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advising routine immunization for adolescents to prevent HPV-related cancers. Federal data show nearly 160 million doses have been distributed in the U.S. through 2022.
With the trial now on hold, all eyes will be on the evolving legal and scientific developments that could shape the next phase of this high-profile case.
