Merck Threatened Scientists Critical of Negative Vioxx Studies
Documents recently surfaced in the media that indicate Merck took great efforts to silence those scientist who spoke of the cardiovascular risk of Vioxx. An excerpt of a Merck intercompany email indicates that pressures were put on scientists who were critical of Vioxx. The November 7, 2000, email from Merck's medical director goes as follows:
Tell [Dr. Gurkirpal] Singh that we've told his boss about his Merck-bashing... should it continue further actions will be necessary (don't define it).
Dr. Singh is a doctor from Stanford who initially performed as a spokesperson for Vioxx until the VIGOR study in 2000 indicated a serious cardiovascular risk. Dr. Singh changed his opinion of the drug in light of the study, and made it a point to warn of the cardiovascular risks. This prompted Merck's threats to censure Dr. Singh.
Hear the full report on NPR.
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