Vioxx recall leads so shareholder lawsuits against Merck

While millions of Americans are more concerned about the impact of taking Vioxx on their health and have to deal with this really important issue right now, there are many other Americans who have been seriously hurt by the strategy pursued by Merck: the shareholders of Merck.

Since the company did not fully disclose what was going on with Vioxx until it recalled the drug, shareholders were kept in the dark. No wonder the stock has been in a free fall and there is speculation that the company could become a takeover target or file for bankruptcy if the cases related to mesothelioma provide some guidance.

So the shareholders are now going to court. Lockridge Grindal Nauen commenced a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Merck & Co., Inc. securities, including common stock, between October 30, 2003 and September 29, 2004, inclusive, and who suffered damages.

The Complaint alleges that Merck failed to disclose material information during the Class Period concerning the safety of its arthritis drug Vioxx, and that a growing body of evidence demonstrated that patients who used the drug for more than 18 months were exposed to an increased risk of heart attack.