Vioxx Timeline: 1998-2005

Feb. 18, 2005: An FDA advisory panel votes 17-15 that Vioxx could be returned to the U.S. market under certain circumstances and restrictions. The panel also recommends, via a 17-13 vote with two abstentions, that Bextra remain on the market. The panel supports Celebrex by a 31-1 vote. Merck says it hasn't decided if it will return Vioxx to the U.S. market, a remark that it has repeated often. Last month, an advisory panel to Canada's health department recommended 12-1 that Vioxx be reinstated. Again, Merck says it hasn't made a decision, adding that it will discuss the matter with health regulators.

April 7, 2005: At the urging of the FDA, Pfizer suspends sales of Bextra. Pfizer disagrees with the FDA's recommendation, and it continues talking to the agency about how the drug can be returned to the market. The FDA also requires tougher labels on Celebrex, all other prescription pain relievers and all over-the-counter pain relievers to warn against cardiovascular risk.

May 5, 2005: Richard T. Clark, a longtime Merck executive, replaces Raymond V. Gilmartin as chief executive. Gilmartin would have reached mandatory retirement age by March 2006.

Aug. 19, 2005: A Texas state court jury votes against Merck in the first Vioxx product liability trial, assessing $253.4 million in economic and punitive damages. Merck says it will appeal.