Lawrence Wasden
Idaho was 1 of 35 states that reached a $5.4 million settlement with Merck & Co. and Shering-Plough Corp., and a joint venture of the two companies, MSP Singapore Co.
The legal deal resolves an investigation into the companies’ delay in releasing negative results from a clinical trial. The data showed that Vytorin, designed to reduce cholesterol, was no more effective in reducing plaque formation in arteries than cheaper drugs, despite heavy marketing touting its benefits.
Wasden says the settlement shows that drug companies owe it to customers to share information about the effectiveness of products in a timely fashion. (AP)
