Merck defeat in Vioxx verdict

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, April, 2006 | by Thomas Ginsberg

Merck & Co. Inc. suffered a pivotal Vioxx legal defeat on home turf yesterday, when jurors nearly unanimously concluded it "wantonly" hid key risk information from federal regulators.

Merck immediately vowed to appeal. But if upheld, the punitive verdict could lead to more damages, increase an already huge caseload, and trigger an unprecedented criminal investigation in New Jersey, experts said.

It was a new blow for the venerated New Jersey and Philadelphia-area company, whose recalled pain medication went from global blockbuster to industry albatross in less than two years.

After roughly six hours of deliberation, the eight-member Atlantic County jury set punitive damages at $9 million. Added to last week's compensatory verdict, the total was $13.5 million...