Study Suggests Vioxx Risks were Covered Up

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Results from a new study show that increased heart risks that were produced by Merck's Vioxx began immediately, and not after 18 months as the company has stated. The study could potentially strike a whole in Merck’s defense, who is still involved in ongoing litigation.

Since pulling the drug in the fall of 2004, Merck has had around 28,000 lawsuits filed against them dealing with patients increased risk of both heart attack and stroke. Merck has already gone through 15 of the 28,000 lawsuits, winning 10 and losing 5.

Merck’s defense claims that the higher risks were only experienced by patients on long-term treatment plans of 18 months or more. The new study could potentially hurt their current stance, and could possible be enough evidence to reopen the cases that have already concluded.

According to Seeking Alpha, “The present study, known as Victor, was conducted by Oxford University scientists and has been accepted for publication by the New England Journal of Medicine. According to a manuscript reviewed by the Wall Street Journal, half of the cardiovascular incidents associated with Vioxx occurred in patients taking the drug for less than 12 months. Elevated risks went away within 14 days of cessation.”

Merck's outside counsel Ted Mayer said, “The reported findings with respect to confirmed thrombotic events in short-term use are not supported by the data found in the other available large placebo studies with Vioxx, including Alzheimer's studies, ViP and Approve.”

I would be willing to bet that the studies did not support the data found by the studies conducted by Merck, the company under investigation who has 28,000 lawsuits filed against them.

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