A jury awarded $9 million in punitive damages to John Darby who blamed his heart attacks on Vioxx. The sum is a defeat for drug-maker Merck, which, for some fucking reason, was assumed to be “bulletproof” because the trial took place in New Jersey.

Only 9,650 suits and 19,000 plaintiffs to go. Merck had $6 billion in profits last year.

photo: John McDarby’s wife, facing front, hugged by lawyer after damages awarded.

“Merck Jury Adds $9 Million in Damages” [NYT]

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