Merck Wins Illinois Vioxx Case

Article in the Wall Street Journal -- Merck Wins First Midwest Case Over Former Painkiller Vioxx, by Heather Won Tesoriero.  According to the WSJ's updated trial scorecard, Merck has now won 10 trials and lost 5.  Here's an excerpt:

A Madison County, Ill. jury cleared Merck & Co. of responsibility in the fatal heart attack of a woman who took its Vioxx painkiller.

Frank Schwaller, of Granite City, Ill. sued the drug maker over the death of his wife, Patricia. She had taken Vioxx for 20 months and died in 2003. Mrs. Schwaller had a number of cardiovascular risk factors, including morbid obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The jury deliberated for about six hours before returning the verdict in favor of the defense.

Merck withdrew Vioxx from the market in September 2004 following a study that linked the drug to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The Whitehouse Station, N.J., drug maker now faces some 28,000 lawsuits.

BGS