Merck Concealed Cardiovascular Dangers of Vioxx, Wrongful Death Suit Claims

FLORENCE, S.C.- A wrongful death suit recently filed against Merck, the manufacturer of the arthritis drug Vioxx, states the company knowingly concealed and misrepresented the drug's ability to cause potentially fatal cardiovascular events. Bridget Elaine Michaud v. Merck & Co., Inc., No. 03-3083-12 (D. S.C.).

According to a complaint filed Sept. 26 in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, the drug maker withheld the information in order to maintain a competitive edge over Pfizer, Inc., the manufacturer of the rival arthritis drug Celebrex.

"Defendant concealed the serious cardiovascular risks associated with Vioxx because a successful launch …