A Missouri judge has barred James Hurst, a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, from making arguments on behalf of Abbott Laboratories in a significant trial concerning the safety of infant formula for premature babies. The judge sanctioned Hurst for 'overtly crossing the lines' in his professional conduct during the proceedings. As a result, he is prohibited from presenting evidence or delivering closing arguments for the remainder of the trial. The litigation involves claims that formulas from Abbott and Reckitt's Mead Johnson have caused severe intestinal illness in infants. Plaintiffs' attorney Timothy Cronin has requested more than $6 billion in punitive damages from the companies, raising concerns among medical professionals about the potential impact on the availability of these formulas and medical decisions regarding their use. Jurors in Missouri have begun deliberations in this high-stakes case.