MDL Judge Issues Rulings on Smith Parties' Pre-Trial Motions

NEW ORLEANS - In preparation for the third federal Vioxx MDL trial, the judge overseeing the case granted several in limine motions filed by the plaintiff and denied or deferred ruling on all but one of Merck & Co. Inc.'s in limine motions. In Re: Vioxx Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1657 (E.D. La.).

Judge Eldon E. Fallon of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana issued the order Sept. 6 in the case of Smith v. Merck & Co. Inc., 05-4379, which is scheduled to go to trial Sept. 11 in New Orleans.

Kentucky resident Robert …