California 'Science Briefs' Provide Insight Into Parties' Arguments

LOS ANGELES - Parties in the California Consolidated Vioxx Proceedings have filed so-called science briefs outlining what will likely be the focus of litigation over the withdrawn arthritis drug. In Re: VIOXX® Cases, JCCP No. 4247 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

Counsel for Merck and plaintiffs with claims pending in Los Angeles County Superior court filed the briefs last month, offering insight into the question of whether Merck knew Vioxx could cause cardiovascular injury prior to its decision to voluntarily pull the drug off the market in September 2004.

Both parties' briefs chronicle numerous studies dating back to 1999, …