N.J. Judge Issues Order for Production of Arcoxia Data

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - The judge overseeing the New Jersey Vioxx docket has ordered Merck & Co. to produce data related to Arcoxia, the company's so-called second-generation COX-2 inhibitor. IN RE: VIOXX® LITIGATION, Case No. 619 (N.J. Super. Ct., Atlantic Cty.).

In an order entered March 31, Judge Carol E. Higbee of the Atlantic County Superior Court gave Merck 30 days to produce Arcoxia clinical study reports, as well as a set of protocols, clinical investigator brochures and forms of informed consents related to the drug.

The judge said she was issuing the order in response to a plaintiffs' motion …