FDA Begins COX-2 Drug Inquiry Today

Status of Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra to be Determined
The three day inquiry into the COX-2 pinkiller drugs, Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra will begin today in Gaithersburg, Maryland. From the FDA's standpoint it is important to analyse the studies and determine if possible why these drugs cause serious heart problems. Thousands of suffering patients and their doctors are seeking answers.

From a legal standpoint, the results of this inquiry will also be important. There are many unanswered questions regarding the Vioxx recall, a possible recall of Celebrex and Bextra and exactly what information is possessed by Merck and Pfizer that has not yet been made public.

Currently there are over seven hundred Vioxx lawsuits filed with many more being prepared. Most of the lawyers involved with Celebrex lawsuits are waiting to see what new evidence will be presented at this inquiry. The case against Pfizer (Celebrex, Bextra) does not appear to be nearly as strong as the case against Merck.

The lawyers involved with the Vioxx and Celebrex lawsuits will be looking for three key pieces of information:

*** Is there any new information that has been witheld by Merck and/or Pfizer?

*** Are there any gaps or inconsistencies in the available scientific evidence? (The defendants lawyers could use these to justify keeping the products on the market.)

*** Will the FDA strongly critcize or condemn the actions of Merck and/or Pfizer? (If not, the defendants lawyers will be able to say that the FDA looked into this problem and said we did nothing wrong!)

The patients and doctors will be watching the proceedings closely - almost as closely as the lawyers.

Related stories: FDA to Probe Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra and Vioxx Bombshell to be Presented to FDA