2 drugs. "He is telling Merck that you have to be careful. You can't just give (Cox-2s) to everybody," Lucchesi said. "They are trying to tell the leadership (about the risks) before they go out and launch this drug to millions and millions of people," Lucchesi told the court, referring to a May 1998 report issued by Merck's scientific advisors to Management. The drug company is hoping for a victory after losing the first Vioxx trial in Texas last month. Merck faces a slew of suits following its voluntary withdrawal of the drug in September 2004. Merck withdrew the drug after its own research showed increased risk of heart attack and stroke in some patient who took Vioxx for at least 18 months.
