Organization

Merck

U.S. drug company; maker of Vioxx.

5 links, 1 backed by primary records. 7 more in open data

The debate

What it disputes

NEJM expression of concern on the VIGOR trial, 2005 Dec 2005
The additional events referred to in the editorial were events that were reported after the pre-specified cut-off date1

Each side is quoted in its own words. Whether a finding holds is not decided here.

Connections 5

Vioxx withdrawn (2004) announced the withdrawal Primary record 3
Vioxx withdrawal and settlement agreed to pay $4.85 billion; said it was not admitting fault Scholarship & press 2
Vioxx withdrawal and settlement had won 10 of 15 court verdicts by November 2007, per the AP Scholarship & press 2

Timeline 1 date

Proof 3 sources

Vioxx study questioned by medical journal, Manufacturing Chemist, 12 Dec 2005. Scholarship & press
The additional events referred to in the editorial were events that were reported after the pre-specified cut-off date
additional events did not materially change any of the conclusions in the article
Merck Settles Vioxx Lawsuits for $4.85 Billion Without Admitting Fault (AP, via Insurance Journal), The Associated Press, via Insurance Journal, 12 Nov 2007. Scholarship & press
Merck pulled Vioxx from the market Sept. 30, 2004 after its researchers determined the then-blockbuster painkiller doubled risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Merck stressed that the agreement is not a class action settlement and that it is not admitting fault.
Merck may now have put the uncertainty of millions of dollars in legal costs behind it, though it has been fairly successful fighting cases individually, winning 10 of 15 court verdicts to date.
Vioxx (rofecoxib), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 30 Sep 2004. Primary record
Merck & Co., Inc. announced a voluntary withdrawal of Vioxx (rofecoxib) from the U.S. and worldwide market
Date created: September 30, 2004

Page history 1 change