The Vioxx Scandal: A Cautionary Tale

This chapter explores the unethical practices of Merck in promoting the painkiller Vioxx, revealing how the company manipulated clinical trial data and suppressed negative results to downplay health risks. It details the tragic consequences, including the death of Bob Ernst, and the resulting legal battles that underscored issues of accountability in the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, the discussion critiques the FDA's drug approval processes and the pressing need for enhanced safety monitoring to protect public health.