Vioxx trials to focus on long-term users

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New Jersey judge overseeing 3,500 Vioxx-related lawsuits in the company's home state, told lawyers earlier this week she wants the next 10 or so trials in her court to involve plaintiffs who took the drug for at least eighteen months, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Merck & Co Inc. (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) is facing more than 6,500 lawsuits from former Vioxx users who say they were harmed by the pain killer, which it pulled from the market last year after studies showed increased heart risks after long-term use.
An assistant to Judge Carol Higbee's office confirmed the plan to the Journal.
Citing a transcript of the meeting, the paper also said the judge suggested that if, after trying a number of cases, the parties cannot agree to a settlement, then dozens of trials will have to be held at once in New Jersey.
Last week, a jury found that Merck provided adequate warning to doctors about health risks associated with Vioxx and did not commit consumer fraud in marketing the drug.
However, the plaintiff in that case had only taken the drug for about two months, while the study that led to the Vioxx withdrawal last year found increased heart risk only after 18 months of continuous use.
Last August, in the first Vioxx case to go to trial, a Texas jury found Merck liable for the death of a 59-year-old Vioxx user and awarded his widow $253 million in damages. Merck is appealing against that decision.