Merck: Study, Withdrawal Won't Affect Daubert, Other Motions; Plaintiffs Want Trial

MOBILE, Ala. - Parties in an Alabama Vioxx suit have submitted a joint status report at the request of the court, indicating that a recent study linking the arthritis drug to heart attack and stroke may do little to change the course of the case. Younge v. Merck & Company, Inc., et al., No. 03-125 (S.D. Ala.).

In a joint status report filed Oct. 29, Vioxx manufacturer Merck & Co. and plaintiff Carolyn Younge differ in their opinion over whether the case should be stayed pending resolution of motions filed recently to create an MDL for transfer and consolidation of …