Merck Reports Mixed Study Results of COX-2 Arcoxia Risks

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. - Preliminary analyses of data from a four-year study show Merck & Co. Inc.'s experimental COX-2 inhibitor Arcoxia (etoricoxib) caused a similar number of adverse cardiovascular events in patients as a standard arthritis treatment, but more patients taking Arcoxia withdrew from the trial due to other serious side effects.

Merck announced Aug. 23 the preliminary results of the Multinational Etoricoxib and Diclofenac Arthritis Long-Term (MEDAL) Program, adding that analyses of the data are ongoing, and the company will disclose the full results in a scientific peer-reviewed publication and in presentations at scientific meetings.

The MEDAL Program - …