A Massachusetts federal grand jury is investigating the manufacturer of Vioxx. The mega-drug maker, Merck, has been advised it is the target of the federal probe for its activities surrounding the research, marketing and sales of the now withdrawn painkiller Vioxx. Subpoenas have been issued to Merck employees and testimony before the grand jury is expected in the coming weeks.
Vioxx was pulled from the market in September of 2004 after studies showed it doubled the risk of heart attacks and strokes for long-term users. Merck agreed to a $4.5 billion nationwide settlement of Vioxx-related claims in 2008.
