Merck Unconvincingly Clears Execs of Vioxx Wrongdoing

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Although the pharmaceutical company Merck spent $21 million on a 20-month investigation led by a former U.S. district judge, the report's conclusion that "executives at Merck had not knowingly put Vioxx patients in cardiovascular danger" may not boost the drugmaker's sagging reputation. "Some critics say the report is not credible because of Merck's board's involvement" and point out that Debevoise & Plimpton, the firm whose lawyers carried out the study, has a "pro-corporate" reputation. New York Times reporter Alex Berenson, who has covered the Vioxx deaths and legal fallout, told PR Week that Merck's report "reads like a defense brief; it was paid for by the company. I don't think it will change anyone's attitude one iota. It's clearly intended to impact the litigation." There are 14,000 active lawsuits against Merck related to Vioxx. Merck media relations director Ray Kerins said the company is "pleased" with the report, but Merck's PR staff hasn't yet decided "if this thing is going to be used" in company communications.