It just seemed endless

Merck’s pain from Vioxx initially appeared endless. But the company has emerged with surprisingly little damage, thanks to its masterful handling of lawsuits arising from the withdrawal of the painkiller. Its $4.85bn settlement for nearly all remaining serious claims is a bargain. The drug maker’s initial decision to fight every case was right. Merck was able to establish a good track record in court by winning 11 of the first 16. It also ensured plantiffs had to pay significant sums keep their...