Merck wants to sell Vioxx again

Merck is planning to bring Vioxx back on the market after voluntarily recalling it in September 2004 after a study showed that Vioxx doubled the risk of heart attacks. This announcement was made by a Merck scientist during the ongoing advisory committee meeting organized by the FDA. According to estimates by the FDA, as many as 140,000 Americans have since been seriously injured by Vioxx and there is enormous amount of evidence about the deadly effects of Vioxx. (Related article: Celebrex and Bextra have same risks as Vioxx, argues Merck)

This announcement has not shocked many Vioxx patients and family members of those killed by Vioxx since Merck has shown no remorse so far for keeping a dangerous drug on the market for so long. Research has also shown that for Merck, profits were more important than human lives. The firm continues to deny that Vioxx was responsible in any way for deaths and injuries. (Related article: Merck and Pfizer ignored drug safety; focused on profits)

Since the recall of Vioxx, hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against the firm and Vioxx attorneys estimate that the final count of plaintiffs will run into tens of thousands in the United States alone. Merck has admitted no guilt and has vowed to vigorously fight each lawsuit. During the four month period since the recall of Vioxx, several studies have shown that not only does Vioxx has serious side effects, especially among the elderly arthritis patients, Merck knew all along how dangerous the drug was. (Related article: Merck could have found out Vioxx risks earlier)

Critics and consumer rights group charge that Merck engaged in a program designed to dodge any safety questions related to the drug. In the hearings on Thursday, Dr. David Graham, the FDA expert argued that not only Vioxx but other Cox-2 drugs are equally dangerous and should not be on the market simply because they provide no benefits to patients. (Related article: Pfizer also claimed that Celebrex and Bextra are safe drugs)

It is early to assess the impact of this announcement by Merck since the FDA could still ban Merck from selling Vioxx. Since the recall of drug, Merck has pretended as if nothing has happened and has not allocated even a penny for its Vioxx liabilities that are expected to be as much as $55 billion. Some analysts predict that Merck will either be acquired or file for bankruptcy. Today's announcement may be just a desperate attempt by Merck to influence panel members. (Related article: Merck vows to defend itself after federal judges consolidate all Vioxx class action lawsuits for trial in Louisiana)

Several patients pleaded with the panel that some Cox-2 drugs should be on the market despite assertion by many scientists that these drugs did nothing more than what an Aspirin does but have far worse side effects.

Recommended article: Merck and Pfizer fought Coke-Pepsi style marketing battle over Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra