Merck knew of Vioxx risks even though company continues to deny it
In another blow to Merck’s credibility, AP is reporting that Merck secretly tried to reformulate Vioxx as early as 2000 to reduce its cardiovascular risks that led to as many as 50,000 deaths in the US and 140,000 injuries overall.
In public statements to this day, Merck denies that Vioxx is a dangerous drug or that it knew of the risks prior to the recall last year. These documents will be presented in Vioxx trials that are scheduled to begin next month (though a conservative think tank is seeking a delay in the trial of Cheryl Rogers). Merck is also being accused of intimidating scientists and researchers who questioned the safety of Vioxx.
The document that shows that Merck has not been truthful in its statements so far was mistakenly provided to Vioxx lawsuit attorneys by Merck. The memo was an exchange between company’s patent department and scientists. This document may be the most damaging piece of evidence to be used against Merck. In statement after statement, Merck has attacked Vioxx victims arguing that no one was injured due to Vioxx; they already had another pre-existing condition that led to personal injuries. On this basis, Merck has refused to settle any cases out of court and has vowed to fight each lawsuit. Analysts estimate Merck’s Vioxx liabilities to be anywhere between $18 to 38 billion.
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