Up until now, Merck has benefited from trying individual cases in piecemeal fashion. But that is about to change shortly. Currently, Merck is defendant a trial in Los Angeles that is expected to go to the jury sometime in late July or early August of 2006. Meanwhile, a host of other cases have been slotted for trial around the country for the remainder of 2006.

In New Jersey, Vioxx cases are in the process of being 'grouped' or consolidated, i.e., to be tried together, against Merck and discovery is underway in those cases.

Upcoming Vioxx trials to watch include:

Ongoing through early August 2006

• Grossberg v. Merck & Co. Inc., Superior Court of Los Angeles August 7, 2006
• Anderson v. Merck & Co. Inc., Tribal Court of the Mississippi, Band of Choctaw Indians

• McFarland v. Merck & Co. Inc., New Jersey Superior Court, Atlantic County
• Smith v. Merck & Co. Inc., Eastern District of Louisiana

October 17, 2006

• California Coordinated Cases, Superior Court of Los Angeles

October 23, 2006

• Crook v. Merck & Co. Inc., Alabama Circuit Court, Jefferson County

October 30, 2006

• Mason v. Merck & Co. Inc., Eastern District of Louisiana

November 8, 2006

• To be determined, Texas District Court, Harris County

November 27, 2006

• Dedrick v. Merck & Co. Inc., Eastern District of Louisiana

December 11, 2006

• Albright v. Merck & Co. Inc., Alabama Circuit Court, Jefferson County
• Schwaller v. Merck & Co. Inc., Illinois Circuit Court, Madison County