Vioxx Maker Claims Lack of Evidence Warrants Summary Judgment

MOBILE, Ala. - Merck & Co. Inc., the manufacturer of Vioxx, moved for summary judgment May 3, arguing that a woman who claims her husband's use of Vioxx caused him to suffer a fatal ischemic stroke cannot provide enough evidence to support her allegations. Younge v. Merck & Co. Inc., et al. No. 03-CV-125 (S.D. Ala.).

The manufacturer contends that Carolyn Younge cannot provide scientific evidence to show that Vioxx caused her husband's injury and that he suffered from numerous pre-existing conditions that placed him at a higher risk of stroke.

Younge sued Merck, its sales representative Kelly Raine and …