Judge Denies Merck Motions for Mistrial in New Jersey Case

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Motions filed by Merck seeking a mistrial during the first Vioxx case in New Jersey to reach a jury have been denied by the judge overseeing the trial, sources told HarrisMartin Publishing. Humeston v. Merck & Co. Inc., No. ATL-L-2272-03-MT (N.J. Super. Ct., Atlantic Cty.).

Sources said the motions were denied Oct. 3 by Judge Carol E. Higbee of the Atlantic County Superior Court. Judge Higbee is presiding over trial in a case brought by Frederick 'Mike' Humeston, who alleges he suffered a heart attack caused by his ingestion of Vioxx.

Merck argued in one motion …