Federal judges discuss Vioxx lawsuits

http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=2428&z=3&p=
Hundreds of people have filed suit against pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., the makers of the drug Vioxx. The eyes of the nation are focused on Fort Myers as seven federal judges met to discuss whether the individual Vioxx lawsuits will be multi-district litigation and if so, which district would serve as the home base.

What is multi-district litigation? When people are suing the same company in different federal districts, the MDL distinction moves the proceedings to just one district. By making the case MDL, lawyers can consolidate pre-trial proceedings, like discovery of evidence and interviewing witnesses, into one central place.

Merck's attorney says they made their argument in court. They think MDL is the most efficient way to move the proceedings forward.

Merck pulled Vioxx last fall amid reports of increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

• 20-million people have taken the drug since it was introduced in 1999.
• 160,000 people reported having heart attacks or strokes that could be associated with Vioxx.
• To date, the company faces thousands of lawsuits in the US and abroad.
• The Wall Street Journal reports the Vioxx recall, including lawsuits, may cost Merck as much as $18-billion over the next decade.