Vioxx Hearing - Judge to rule on whether UK citizens can make Vioxx claims in the US
01/01/2000
Thank you very much for all your hard work, especially as the outcome is better than expected. Can't thank you enough.
Shana, Wiltshire
The hearing on the Vioxx litigation will begin on 11th April 2006.
The Honourable Carol E. Higbee, Judge of the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey will decide whether UK citizens can make Vioxx claims in the US.
This includes potential cases for people from many countries including Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the UK.
Vioxx Background
Merck pulled Vioxx, a $2.5 billion seller, from the market in September 2004 when a long-term study showed it could double risk of heart attack or stroke if taken for 18 months or longer.
Vioxx inhibits an enzyme known as Cox-2, which thins the blood. That feature allows it and other drugs in its class - Pfizer's Bextra and Celebrex - to relieve acute pain and arthritis without causing stomach bleeds or ulcers, as painkillers such as aspirin can.
An FDA panel concluded in February that Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra all pose heart risks but should be available to consumers. But in April, Pfizer withdrew Bextra from the market at the FDA's request when the agency said it carries risk of serious and sometimes fatal skin reactions in addition to heart attacks and strokes.
The FDA also said that all prescription non steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, not just Cox-2 inhibitors, should carry a so-called ''black box'' warning label about cardiovascular risk.
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