Merck and Schering-Plough settle heart drug claims
NEW YORK (AP) — Drugmakers Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corp. say they will pay $5.4 million to settle civil claims that the companies covered up test results that cast doubt on the effectiveness of two blockbuster cholesterol drugs.
The companies settled with attorneys general from 35 states, including North Carolina, and the District of Columbia. Merck and Schering-Plough will pay back the costs of the investigation, but don't have to make other payments or admit wrongdoing or liability.
North Carolina will receive about $100,000 of the settlement, according to a news release.
In 2008, the companies released studies showing Vytorin and Zetia, sold by the Merck/Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals joint venture, were not more effective than an older drug at reducing plaque buildup. The testing was finished in 2006 and the companies faced criticism for not releasing the results sooner.
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