A federal judge overturned $51 million in compensatory and punitive damages that had been awarded to Gerald Barnett, who suffered a heart attack after taking Vioxx, deeming the amount "excessive."
Judge Eldon Fallon of the U.S. District Court in New Orleans also ordered a new trial.
Earlier this month, a New Orleans jury ruled that Merck had been negligent for failing to adequately warn doctors about risks associated with the drug. The jury also found that Merck "knowingly misrepresented or failed to disclose" information about Vioxx to doctors treating the 62-year-old Barnett. Barnett was awarded $50 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages.
Barnett took Vioxx for 33 months before suffering a heart attack in September 2002, and for two years afterward.
Merck said in a statement that it will file a motion requesting the new trial also include all liability issues.
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