Chaos within Merck ahead of Vioxx trial
The manner in which Merck has handled the whole process of Vioxx recall is driving everyone nuts. For instance, just days ago, Merck hinted that it was ready to settle with those victims that have genuinely suffered. But today, the company comes back with its usual line of attack on victims and seems to be backtracking. You start wondering if Merck is run by business professionals or politicians.
In the meantime, as all parties prepare for the trial in the Mike Humeston case to begin Monday, the company has suffered several setbacks during the pre-trial proceedings. While Merck had strongly protested television cameras during the trial, Judge Carol Higbee has allowed them rejecting Merck’s argument. Merck also lost in its opposition to having several experts testify on behalf of plaintiff Frederick “Mike” Humeston. The only small success that Merck had was in blocking tesimony by an ethics expert. Apparently Merck is so opposed to the idea of live broadcast of the trial that the decision may be appealed even before the trial starts.
In related developments, despite the tragedy in New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina, the federal trial is expected to start on time. As Merck juggles the lawsuits on multiple fronts, not many experts are impressed with Merck’s confusing messages. Generally that implies that the company does not have a coherent strategy and that means that initial forecasts about Merck losing in the second trial as well might turn out to be correct.
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