Merck Agrees to Resolve Vioxx Liability Lawsuits

Merck has agreed to resolve state and federal myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke claims filed in the U.S.

If conditions of the agreement are met, the company will pay $4.85 billion into a settlement fund for qualifying claims, which will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Claimants must provide medical proof of myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke, have documented receipt of at least 30 Vioxx pills and have taken a sufficient number of pills within 14 days before injury, Merck said.

Merck had been served or named as a defendant in approximately 26,600 lawsuits filed on or before Sept. 30, which included approximately 47,000 plaintiff groups who alleged personal injuries resulting from Vioxx use.