Merck Says Recent Discovery Precludes Efficiency of Joint Calif. Vioxx Trial

LOS ANGELES - Merck & Co. Inc. has moved for an order setting separate trials for the two cases currently scheduled for a joint trial on June 21 in California's coordinated Vioxx proceedings. In Re: Vioxx® Cases, JCCP No. 4247 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

Merck's motion, filed June 7 in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, states that 'significant differences between the cases would make a combined trial inefficient and unfair..., and belated disclosures by plaintiff [Rudolph] Arrigale make it impossible for the parties to be ready for trial in that case by June 21.'

Arrigale's case is …