Merck Opposes La. AG's Motions for Expedited Consideration, Consolidation

NEW ORLEANS - Merck has filed an opposition to a motion filed in the Vioxx MDL by Louisiana's Attorney General for expedited consideration of his motion to remand, or, alternatively, to consolidate his case with a putative class action. In re: Vioxx Products Liability Litigation, MDL Docket No. 1657 (E.D. La.).

The opposition, filed Dec. 27 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, contends that Attorney General Charles C. Foti Jr.'s alternative proposal to consolidate effectively concedes federal jurisdiction, and that granting expedited consideration would contradict the Court's established procedures for addressing remand motions and class …