Ill. Judge Says Vioxx Plaintiffs Must Proceed in Separate Lawsuits

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - An Illinois judge has granted motions by Merck & Co. Inc. and two pharmacies to sever the claims of 10 Vioxx plaintiffs who reside in different counties, and scheduled a Feb. 7 hearing to further consider the defendants' motions to transfer based on forum non conveniens. Rutherford, et al. v. Merck & Co. Inc., et al., No. 06-L-44 (Ill. 3rd Jud. Cir., Madison Cty.).

Merck, Walgreens and Osco Drugs said in the motions to sever - filed in Illinois' 3rd Judicial Circuit for Madison County - that, under Illinois law, the plaintiffs improperly sought to join in …