Merck faces long road in Vioxx battle

After yesterday's win, Merck could face a reduced number of lawsuits since a New Jersey jury showed it was willing to separate stronger Vioxx cases for lower-merit suits. As Howard Erichson, professor of law at Seton Hall Law School, observed, "this is a critical victory for Merck. It doesn't end the litigation, but it takes the pressure off of them to start settling some cases right away." Merck's stock rose sharply after the announcement but quickly corrected itself.

Still, Merck has a long way to go before it can put its Vioxx worries to rest. On November 28 the pharmaceutical giant will answer its first federal case. The suit was brought by the widow of Robert Irvin, Jr., who believes Vioxx caused her husband's heart attack.

- read this article from Forbes for more information