Researchers Publish Cardiovascular Risk Analysis Of APPROVe Study

Research identifying a risk of cardiovascular events among participants in the colorectal cancer study that led to Merck & Co.'s decision to withdraw Vioxx was published last month in the New England Journal of Medicine.

In an article released by the journal Feb. 15, researchers confirmed findings that had been previously cited by Merck following the Sept. 30, 2004, announcement that it was recalling Vioxx from worldwide markets because it raised the risk of cardiovascular events in patients who took the drug for an extended period.

According to the New England Journal article, participants who took Vioxx as part …