Merck Says Calif. Plaintiffs' Health Risk Evidence Lacks Scientific Support

LOS ANGELES - Merck & Co. Inc. recently filed several motions to exclude from California's first Vioxx trial plaintiffs' expert opinion testimony that Vioxx is capable of causing certain health risks. In Re: Vioxx® Cases, JCCP No. 4247 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

Merck filed the motions on June 15 and 16 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, challenging as scientifically unreliable the testimony of several plaintiffs' medical experts.

Specifically, Merck seeks to exclude from the June 21 trial any expert testimony and evidence that suggests Vioxx is capable of causing non-thrombotic arrhythmias, coronary artery plaque ruptures or the …