Merck, a major pharmaceutical company, produced a very popular painkiller called Vioxx. Despite the drug being approved by the FDA, several studies linked usage of it to cardiovascular risks relating to heart attacks and strokes. Internal e-mails indicated that, for approximately four years, the company was aware that academics and others had concerns over the drug’s safety. Finally Merck voluntarily discontinued distribution of Vioxx. Several lawsuits were then brought by the families of those who had suffered heart attacks after taking the drug.

Will the lawsuits against Merck be successful?