FDA Warns Merck Over Marketing Efforts

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WASHINGTON–Federal regulators warned Merck&Co. for improper marketing of its blockbuster arthritis drug Vioxx, saying the company had misrepresented the drug’s safety profile and minimized its potential risks, Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal reported.

The Food and Drug Administration, in a Sept. 17 warning letter, chided Merck (MRK) for its efforts to promote Vioxx to health professionals, which included audio conferences, a news release and statements made at medical conferences. FDA officials said the actions were “particularly troublesome” because the agency had previously objected to promotional material that it said also misrepresented Vioxx’s safety profile.



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