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Merck Admits Mistake in Drug Study

June 27, 2006

Merck, the makers of Vioxx, have publicly admitted their mistake in misrepresenting the data in a key study indicating that the drug increased the risk of heart attack and stroke. The pharmaceutical giant has long contended that Vioxx doubles the risk of heart attack and stroke only after 18 months of use. This faulty conclusion has been central to their defense strategy in the first of thousands of Vioxx lawsuits filed against the company.

In recent months, medical experts have come forward to reveal that the data analysis, which Merck has clung so dearly to, was flawed. These experts found that the risk of Vioxx heart attack or stroke appeared as early as four months into use and NOT exclusively after 18 months of use.

Merck has tried to mitigate the magnitude of their blunder by pointing out that there was a flaw in their analysis but not the data itself.

"It is a subtle but very critical point," says Dr. Jeffrey Drazen, editor-in-chief of the New England Journal of Medicine, where the original study and its new corrections have appeared.

Merck is facing over 13,000 lawsuits, all of which the company has vowed to fight in court. Legal experts predict that another spurt of lawsuits will be filed in the coming months, as the statute of limitations in many states is September 2006.

If you or a loved one suffered injury due to Vioxx use, please contact us to speak with a qualified attorney. It is vital to seek legal assistance soon to preserve your legal rights. Once a statute of limitations is expired, you may lose the ability to file a claim, regardless of the legitimacy of your Vioxx injuries. Our experienced Vioxx attorneys will provide you with a free consultation during which you can learn more about your legal rights and options.

 

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