MPs lobby Merck for U.K. Vioxx deal

Now Parliament wants Merck to give U.K. patients a cut. MPs are hopping mad that the company is settling with U.S. Vioxx claimants to the tune of $4.85 billion but refuses to make a deal in Britain. They're inviting the drugmaker to the table this week as the deadline for court action against Merck approaches.

Some 500 British patients have been unable to sue in part because they can't afford to risk paying Merck's legal bills if they lose. Contingency fee lawyers consider filing suit against the drug giant too risky, The Times reports. So 44 MPs have signed a motion calling the situation "unjust," and the government has been asked to investigate.

- see the article in The Times
- check out the other Pharmalot item

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