Johnson & Johnson scored a critical victory on Wednesday after a jury rendered a defense verdict in the first bellwether trial over the blood thinner Xarelto.

The drug has become a poster child for tort reformers who object to rampant advertising by plaintiffs attorneys in cases involving pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Bayer brought in powerhouse litigator Beth Wilkinson of Washington, D.C.'s Wilkinson Walsh + Eskovitz to lead the defense team at trial, which took place in New Orleans.

It was the first of four bellwether trials slated for federal court—and the outcome isn't reassuring for plaintiffs. After less than two weeks of trial, the jury came back with its verdict about an hour after closing arguments wrapped up on Wednesday.