Calif. Judge Consolidates Two Cases for State's Second Vioxx Trial

LOS ANGELES - Merck & Co. Inc. is scheduled to face two plaintiffs in California's second Vioxx trial, as the judge overseeing the state's coordinated Vioxx proceedings overruled Merck's objections to trying more than one case simultaneously. Vioxx® Cases, JCCP No. 4247 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

Judge Victoria G. Chaney of Los Angeles County Superior Court ordered on Sept. 12 that the cases of Rudolph Arrigale, 77, and Lawrence Appell, 57, will proceed to trial on Oct. 31. Both plaintiffs claim that Vioxx caused their heart attacks after taking the painkiller for several months.

Merck had argued against …