Summary Box: Vioxx wins first state trial over Vioxx
By APTuesday, June 29, 2010
Summary Box: Vioxx wins state trial on Vioxx
VIOXX RULING: Merck & Co. wins the first trial over Vioxx brought by a state trying to recoup what it paid for residents to take the painkiller withdrawn from the market because it doubled cardiovascular risks.
THE CLAIM: Lawyers for Louisiana were seeking about $20 million, arguing it would have restricted sales of Vioxx through the state’s Medicaid program if the drug’s risks were clear.
WHAT’S NEXT: Merck faces about 20 similar government lawsuits. Meanwhile, Louisiana officials will decide soon whether to appeal the ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Eldon Fallon.
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