Former Merck Chief Scientist Feared Vioxx Side Effects

By Dave Wilson

Published on September 22, 2005

Plaintiff's attorney Chris Seeger, who is representing Frederick "Mike" Humeston in the pharmaceutical product liability trial, used the videotaped testimony to show that Merck knew about the dangers inherit in Vioxx all along. Humeston claims that Vioxx triggered the heart attack he suffered in 2001.

Edward Scolnick testified that he had concerns about the cardiovascular side effects of Vioxx. Scolnick had recommended that Merck conducted a study to further test the safety of the painkilling drug. He also admitted that the pharmaceutical company compressed and accelerated clinical trials to hasten the FDA approval process.

The former chief scientist did insist, however, that Merck did not cut any corners while evaluating the arthritis drug. Scolnick defended the actions of his past employer, despite admitting that the company was trying to get Vioxx onto the market as quickly as possible.

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