MORE BAD NEWS FOR ARTHRITIS DRUGS

January 25, 2005 AP

Merck & Co forced one of its researchers to remove her name from a study linking Vioxx to heart attacks, then criticized the findings before ultimately pulling the drug from the market last fall, two of the scientist’s colleagues said.

Merck spokeswoman Anita Larsen confirmed the company’s action, saying Merck though the study’s conclusions "were not supported by the data."  The incident came about six months before another study prompted the drug maker to withdraw Vioxx.

One new report echoes previous data suggesting that in some older patients the drugs might not offer as much protection as thought against gastrointestinal problems.  A separate study suggests that they have been over-prescribed, frequently to patients at low-risk to GI problems.  Other research supports evidence that Vioxx increases some patients’ blood pressure.

Both Vioxx and Celebrex are in a class of drugs called Cox-2 inhibitors.  On January 24, 2005 the watchdog group Public Citizen petitioned the FDA to immediately remove from the market Celebrex and a related drug Bextra, because of the potential heart risks.

Critics contend that Merck attempted for years to suppress Vioxx risks found in numerous studies.  The company maintains it has acted responsibly.