>>It soon turned out Merck had known of potential lethal side effects even before launching Vioxx in 1999, but had brushed all such disturbing tests under the r

>>It soon turned out Merck had known of potential lethal side effects even before launching Vioxx in 1999, but had brushed all such disturbing tests under the rug. >I don't trust this line. If I recollect there were 'whistle blowers' from Merck who said this at one point. For those who have followed similar situations/drugs (like Prozac) it is well know that cherry picking studies or results by pharma is common place.