Gilmartin testifies in Vioxx suit

Former Merck CEO Raymond Gilmartin testified in the punitive damages phase of the company's trial in Atlantic City, NJ. As expected, Gilmartin defended Merck's handling of the painkiller, arguing again that his company did not intentionally conceal risks associated with the drug. Gilmartin stepped down from his post in late 2004 as Merck struggled to recover from the fallout of the Vioxx revelations. The highlight of the showdown between the ex-CEO and plaintiff lawyer W. Mark Lanier undoubtedly came early on when Gilmartin misspoke. Asked if the company had intentionally concealed the risks involved with Vioxx from the FDA, Gilmartin answered "yes," then reversed himself, saying, "the answer is definitely no!" as laughter filled the court room.

- see this blog from The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.)

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