Hearing on Merck's Motion to Set Aside Ernst Verdict Delayed

ANGLETON, Texas - A hearing on Merck & Co. Inc.'s motion to set aside a Texas jury's $253.4 million verdict in the first-ever Vioxx trial has been postponed from late May until June 15, sources told HarrisMartin Publishing. Ernst, et al. v. Merck & Co. Inc., et al., No. 19961*BH02 (Texas 23rd Dist. Ct., Brazoria Cty.).

Merck filed the motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict on April 24 in Brazoria County's 23rd District Court, but sources said a hearing on the motion has been delayed.

Merck is seeking a take-nothing judgment in its favor, saying that plaintiff Carol Ernst relied …