The Integrative Stream

Vioxx Verdict

There are two very good articles in today’s Wall Street Journal (link here if you happen to have a subscription to the online version) detailing the jury process that went into the Vioxx ruling. I haven’t followed the case all that closely, but what I’ve seen is worrysome. In particular, the jury seems to have effectively tuned out the scientific evidence presented by Merck in favor of rather more emotional arguments by the plaintiff’s attorney–such as wheeling in 146 boxes of regulatory documents to imply that Merck had deluged the FDA with data to cover up defects. Every drug approval requires huge volumes of documentation; making a big stack in front of the jury means nothing.

Whatever the specifics, it’s pretty clear the case was not tried on its merits, and that’s a bad sign.