Vioxx Parties Submit Schedule, Withdraw 2 Cases from 2nd Calif. Trial

LOS ANGELES - Parties in California's coordinated Vioxx proceedings have submitted a proposed pre-trial scheduling order for the state's second Vioxx trial in October, and two potential cases were recently withdrawn from consideration for the trial. Vioxx® Cases, JCCP No. 4247 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

On Aug. 4, plaintiffs and Merck & Co. Inc. filed the proposed pre-trial order seeking the approval of Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Victoria G. Chaney, who will oversee the Oct. 17 trial.

The parties acknowledged that the proposed deadlines may require extension or modification, but only by agreement or upon a …