Ala. Woman Dismisses with Prejudice Claims against Vioxx Maker

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - An Alabama woman who claimed her use of Vioxx caused her to suffer multiple cardiac injuries has dismissed with prejudice her claims against Merck, the company that manufactures the arthritis drug. Dorriety v. Merck & Co. Inc. No. CV-03-CO-1479 (N.D. Ala.).

U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler signed the order May 13.

On May 30, 2003, Judith Dorriety sued Merck in Alabama's Circuit Court for Tuscaloosa County, alleging that the manufacturer concealed information about Vioxx's association with adverse cardiovascular events in order to compete with Pharmacia and Pfizer, the companies that sell arch-rival Celebrex.

Dorriety stated …