A key part of Merck's Vioxx defense has been its assertion that the drug didn't demonstrate any heightened risk of cardiovascular incidents until 18 months after patients began taking the drug. But now a new study suggests that the heightened risks began immediately after patients began to start taking the drug. A pre-publication copy of the study was obtained by The Wall Street Journal. The study found that half of the cardiovascular incidents among Vioxx patients occurred within 12 months of the inception of therapy.
- check out the Journal's report [1] (sub. req.)
Related Articles:
Up to 100,000 Vioxx claims expected. Report [2]
Merck faces long road in Vioxx battle. Report [3]
Judge throws out $50M Vioxx award. Report [4]
Jury rules against Merck in second NJ Vioxx trial. Report [5]
Links:
[1] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118343462198556358.html?mod=health_home_stories
[2] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/spotlight-up-to-100-000-vioxx-claims-expected/2005-05-24
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/merck-faces-long-road-in-vioxx-battle/2005-11-04
[4] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/judge-throws-out-50m-vioxx-award/2006-08-31
[5] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/jury-rules-against-merck-in-second-nj-vioxx-trial/2007-03-13