Second California Vioxx Judge Replaced Following Merck Peremptory Challenge

LOS ANGELES - Two weeks after filling the vacancy left when the California Vioxx docket's original judge was removed by a state appellate court, the new judge assigned to the coordinated proceedings has herself been replaced following a peremptory challenge by defendant Merck & Co. In Re: Vioxx Cases, JCCP No. 4247 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

According to an order entered May 25, Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl has been assigned to oversee coordination of numerous California Vioxx claims pending in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Judge Kuhl replaces Judge Emilie H. Elias, who on May 6 was assigned …