N.J. Judge Dismisses Vioxx Securities Fraud Class Action as Time-Barred

NEWARK, N.J. - A New Jersey federal judge has dismissed as time-barred a Vioxx securities fraud class action against Merck & Co. Inc., finding that "storm warnings" of fraud by the company several years before investors filed suit preclude the plaintiffs' claims under the applicable statutes of limitations. In Re: Merck & Co. Inc. Securities, Derivative & "Erisa" Litigation, MDL No. 1658, Case Nos. 05-1151, 05-2367 (D. N.J.).

On April 12, Judge Stanley R. Chesler of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey said in a 31-page opinion that investors were put on inquiry notice of potential …