PA Settlement with Merck Funds PACE - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

PA Settlement with Merck Funds PACE

Posted: Updated:

Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane announced that the state has reached an $8.25 million settlement with Merck, maker of the prescription drug Vioxx.  After attorney fees and court costs, the Attorney General says $6.9 million of the settlement funds will support Pennsylvania's prescription assistance program known as PACE.  The program helps qualified senior citizens pay for their medications.

Pennsylvania's lawsuit against Merck alleged that the company failed to disclose its studies, which showed the use of Vioxx increased a user's risk of serious illnesses, such as heart attack and stroke.   Kane said, "Merck had a clear legal obligation to disclose known harmful side effects from Vioxx to both the medical community and patients. Companies that fail to reveal pertinent facts about side effects from their drugs should be aware there are legal and monetary costs to pay for misleading the citizens of Pennsylvania."

Vioxx was first approved by the FDA in 1999 as a painkiller.  It was eventually removed from the U.S. market amid reports that it was causing health problems including heart attack, stroke and death for some of its users.

The $8.25 million Pennsylvania settlement was negotiated by Cohen, Placitella and Roth, P.C., a Philadelphia based law firm.

Submit your event now
  • Most Popular StoriesMost Popular Stories

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:33 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:33:53 GMT
    Erie, PA- With results still coming in Incumbent Erie County Executive Barry Grossman conceded victory to Kathy Dahlkemper just after 10:00 p.m. Dahlkemper was LIVE on SEE News at 10:00 on the CW claiming
    With results still coming in Incumbent Erie County Executive Barry Grossman conceded victory to Kathy Dahlkemper just after 10:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:03 AM EDT2013-05-22 04:03:44 GMT
    There are some upsets in the races for Erie county council seats, where candidates are looking to fill seats in 3 districts.In the race for county council in district 2, five democrats squared off for
    There are some upsets in the races for Erie county council seats, where candidates are looking to fill seats in 3 districts.In the race for county council in district 2, five democrats squared off for
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:53 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:53:46 GMT
    Plenty of voters turned out in Millcreek on Tuesday, to vote for members of the school board. Four seats are up for grabs, as the district battles a $8.8 million deficit and possible school closings. Seven
    Plenty of voters turned out in Millcreek on Tuesday, to vote for members of the school board. Four seats are up for grabs, as the district battles a $8.8 million deficit and possible school closings. Seven
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:46 AM EDT2013-05-22 04:46:29 GMT
    Longtime local attorney Bill Kelly, Jr won the Democratic nomination for a spot on the Erie County Court of Common Pleas. The vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Michael Dunlavey. In a close
    Sambroak and Kelly Win Judicial Nominations
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:50 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:50:54 GMT
    The area's most experienced TV news crews are preparing for a busy night covering the races in the 2013 spring primary. Scott Bremner is covering incumbent County Executive Barry Grossman's attempt to
    The most experienced news team is ready to provide the best coverage of the Election 2013 spring primary.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:07 AM EDT2013-05-22 04:07:59 GMT
    Several candidates on Tuesday, were looking to fill 4 open spots on Erie city council.Here on the candidates that got the democratic nods:The 3 incumbents, Dave Brennan, Curtis Jones Jr., and Jim Winarski
    Several candidates on Tuesday, were looking to fill 4 open spots on Erie city council.Here on the candidates that got the democratic nods:The 3 incumbents, Dave Brennan, Curtis Jones Jr., and Jim Winarski
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 04:53:12 GMT
    It appears that Republican Don Tucci will face Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper in the fall. There were three names on the ballot in the republican primary, but when the votes came in, the race was really between
    It appears that Republican Don Tucci will face Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper in the fall. There were three names on the ballot in the republican primary, but when the votes came in, the race was really between
  • Friday, May 17 2013 1:00 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:00:32 GMT
    Here's a table of the 2012 Primary Races. This information is from ErieCountyGov.org.   Democrat Republican PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (Vote for 1) Barack Obama  Newt Gingrich
    Sample Ballot for the 2012 General Election
Powered by WorldNow
3514 State St. Erie, PA 16508
Newsroom: (814)454-8812
Toll Free: 1(800)454-8812
Business offices: (814)454-5201
WICU FCC Filing
WSEE FCC Filing
Share:
Share Stories
Submit your stories to our site!
Share Photos
Share your photos in our community galleries
Mobile:
Mobile Site
Be sure to stay constantly updated with the power of WICU12 and WSEE at your fingertips
Free Android App
Free iPhone App
Free iPad App
Storm Tracker App
Droid
iPhone
iPad
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WICU. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
                   WICU/WSEE - 3514 State Street Erie, PA 16508 - (814) 454-5201 - info@wicu12.com