Merck Rep. Testifies in Madison County
There have been countless rumors that Merck ignored health concerns when it sold Vioxx to patients. After many deaths, the company has repeatedly defended itself, but for the first time a representative has stated that it might have skipped a few details. During the current Madison County Vioxx case last Friday, Dr. Nancy Santanello (head of epidemiology for Merck & Co.) testified that Merck spent countless hours studying and restudying Vioxx and its effects among different types of people, with different health conditions. She said that even though it had some unforseen side-effects, the company moved quickly and efficiently to recall Vioxx in 2004 as soon as there were signs that the drug raised heart risks in long-term and short-term users. However, she did admit that no completed clinical trials had examined Vioxx use for more than a little more than a year before the drug was released. It remains to be seen if this will have an effect on the jury and the case.