Autopsy evidence seen as key in Vioxx trial

Today may mark a key day in the wrongful-death lawsuit against drug maker Merck as coroner Maria Areneta is expected to take the stand. According to analysts, plaintiff attorney W. Mark Lanier will attempt to show that a heart attack -- not an arrhythmia -- led to the death of 59-year-old Robert Ernst. Areneta's testimony is believed to bolster that argument. Merck has argued that Vioxx can not be held responsible for the death, as Vioxx has never been shown to cause an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Lanier has appeared to score points by pointing out to the jury that the Merck medical reference manual lists arrhythmias as occurring in the majority of heart attack cases.

- see this story from the Miami Herald

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