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Originally Posted by peragro
Using your car analogy in terms of Vioxx would be like saying that Chrysler has been successfully sued and is now paying fines and removing minivans from the market because some individuals had problems with them when they drove them consistently and regularly at 120MPH.
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The analogy is wrong. No one accused the dead guy of recklessly abusing the drug.
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Originally Posted by peragro
I have no problem with lawsuits against drug companies. I have problems with ridiculously high awards based upon little to no factual evidence.
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You make two assertions, one that there was little to no factual evidence and two that the verdict was too high. As to the first, you do not know what factual evidence was presented to the jury. However, there was obviously enough to withstand a Rule 12(b) motion to dismiss, a summary judgement motion, a motion for directed verdict, a motion for judgement not withstanding the verdict and enough to convince a jury.
As to you're second assertion, that the verdict was "ridiculously high" what would be enough? Merck has a market cap of 77 Billion dollars. They had revenues of over 20 Billion last year. How much is enough to deter them from hiding studies that show that Vioxx caused heart attacks. The jury thought the number was 253 million.
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Originally Posted by peragro
There is an add in the local paper today that reads"Suffer a heart attack or stroke while taking CELEBREX, or BEXTRA or VIOXX? Diagnosed with mesothelioma? You may have a claim worth $250000+. Call 24hrs 1-800-928-0368".
Who paid for that?.
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The lawyer, who also ponies up all the cost of litigation. Do you know what a products liability or med mal case cost to prosecute? They had literally millions in the vioxx case. A lawyer can't advertise his services? The drug companies certainly do.
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Originally Posted by peragro
anyway, regarding Celebrex... I'm sure you realize that aspirin wouldn't make it to the market today as a new drug. Fortunately it was developed long ago.
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No, I don't know that and I suspect you are wrong. However, it won't be proven either way so it's mere speculation.