NY CASES OKED AS CLASS ACTIONS [05/17]

A New York state judge said he plans to let fraud lawsuits against the biggest U.S. cigarette makers proceed and grant them class-action status.

New York Supreme Court Judge Charles E. Ramos made his comments at the conclusion of arguments on whether to dismiss lawsuits against the R.J. Reynolds unit of RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp., Philip Morris Cos. and other tobacco companies.

The New York-based plaintiffs, who also asked for class-action status, said the companies manipulated nicotine and other cigarette ingredients to addict consumers.

The tentative trial date for the New York tobacco litigation is Nov. 3.

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