Poor Merck. A prominent cardiologist testifying against them accused the drug-maker Saturday of engaging in scientific misconduct, suppressing clinical evidence and stifling medical discourse as it promoted the painkiller Vioxx.
Dr. Eric Topol, chairman of the cardiovascular medicine department of the Cleveland Clinic, called certain aspects of Merck's behavior "repulsive" and "appalling" during his three-hour videotaped deposition.
Topol said that Vioxx can cause heart attacks any time after a patient begins taking it, and that its risks were apparent as early as 1999, when the drug was approved. Vioxx was removed it from the market last year after a study showed it doubled patients' risk of heart attacks and strokes after 18 months of use."Vioxx's risk has been evident since trials were conducted in 1999 and all the way through the time of withdrawal in September 30, 2004," Topol said.
Insider says: These comments are damning and come from a "heavyweight" cardiological opinion. Topol has criticised Big Pharma in the past, but has also worked with companies as well. It will be interesting to see what the jury makes of this evidence.
El Paso Times
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