Key Vioxx safety data retracted by Merck

After Merck admitted indirectly that its analysis of the Vioxx safety data was flawed, the New England Journal of Medicine has published a correction to the study that formed the foundation of Merck's argument that the drug did no harm if taken for less than 18 months. However, the company has not done it with grace - in press releases it continues to use language that is confusing.

Merck is saying that it is merely changing the method for statistical analysis but all independent experts and attorney prosecuting Vioxx related litigation say that it is much easier to prove the cases of short-term users of the drug.

Related reading

Merck scientists doubted safety of Vioxx

Merck manipulated data to justify safety of Vioxx

Merck attacks long term users

Merck's mounting legal troubles