Merck Moves to Exclude Causation Testimony in New Jersey Vioxx Case

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Merck & Co. has moved to exclude evidence offered by experts testifying on behalf of a plaintiff in New Jersey, arguing that the causation testimony isn't sound and that the plaintiff had a history of poor health that led to the heart attack he now blames on Vioxx. Humeston v. Merck & Co. Inc., No. ATL-L-2272-03 (N.J. Super. Ct., Atlantic Cty.).

Merck filed the motion Aug. 8 in the Atlantic County Superior Court, where Merck and plaintiff William Humeston are preparing for a trial expected to begin next month. Humeston and several experts hired to testify …