Merck Says Premature Repatriation of Vioxx Cases Counterproductive

LOS ANGELES - Merck & Co. Inc. has opposed as premature plaintiffs' request to begin repatriating myocardial infarction cases pending in California's coordinated Vioxx proceeding following the conclusion of the proceeding's second trial. Vioxx® Cases, JCCP No. 4247 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

Merck also contends that plaintiffs' suggestion that courts try the cases in groups of 50 or more is unreasonable and would 'generate interminable trials and lengthy appeals.'

In an Oct. 27 response to plaintiffs' brief filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Merck opposes the plaintiffs' suggestion that after the conclusion of the ongoing Appell/Arrigale …