Merck announces settlements reached over Vioxx suits

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. Merck announced yesterday that it has reached civil settlements with Attorneys General from 29 states and the District of Columbia to fully resolve previously disclosed investigations related to past activities for its painkiller drug Vioxx.

As part of the civil resolution of these investigations, Merck has agreed to pay a total of $58 million to be divided among the 29 states and the District of Columbia. Back in April, Merck announced it had taken a pre-tax charge in the first quarter of $55 million in anticipation of this settlement.

“Merck remains committed to communications that help patients and their physicians choose medicines based on accurate, fair and balanced information,” said Bruce Kuhlik, executive vice president and general counsel of Merck.  “Today's agreement enables Merck to put this matter behind us and focus on what Merck does best, developing new medicines.”