Vioxx Plaintiffs Seek Multi-Case Consolidation for First Calif. Trial

LOS ANGELES - Plaintiffs in California's coordinated Vioxx proceedings have requested that all of the designated myocardial infarction cases be consolidated for the state's first Vioxx trial, saying that it will maximize judicial efficiency and provide a framework for subsequent trials. In Re: Vioxx Cases, JCCP No. 4247 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

The plaintiffs' brief in support of setting multiple cases for trial was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on March 17, a week after Merck & Co. Inc. filed a statement on March 10 arguing that only one case should be selected so as to …