Another Vioxx Win for Merck

"All of the Vioxx cases are individual claims involving very different circumstances, so we need to consider the facts of each case on an individual basis," said Kenneth Frazier, Merck's executive vice president and general counsel, in remarks similar to those he made after the New Orleans verdict. "Heart attacks are unfortunately common in the population and caused by many different risk factors."

Of 18 cases scheduled for trial, Merck has won nine and lost four. Five cases were dismissed. Merck has appealed or plans to appeal the four losses. One of the Merck victories was set aside by a judge, and the case is expected to be retried.

As of Nov. 30, Merck has been named as defendant in roughly 27,200 personal injury lawsuits and in 265 class-action suits claiming personal injury or economic losses in the U.S.