Judge Issues Rulings on Pre-Trial Motions for Next Vioxx MDL Case

NEW ORLEANS - The judge overseeing preparations for the next federal Vioxx MDL trial recently granted several motions in limine filed by the plaintiff and denied Merck & Co. Inc.'s motion to exclude informal communications from the FDA concerning Vioxx promotional materials. In Re: Vioxx Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1657 (E.D. La.).

During a June 28 hearing, Judge Eldon E. Fallon of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana granted, denied or reserved ruling on the parties' motions to exclude certain evidence relating to Barnett v. Merck & Co. Inc., No. 06-485. In the case, which …