Merck extends deadline for Vioxx registrants to submit proof

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- While asserting that the proposed $4.85 billion settlement for illness associated with Vioxx remains on track, the painkiller's manufacturer on Thursday extended until June 30 the deadline for registered participants to submit paperwork.

The original deadline for claimants to provide documents showing they took Vioxx and then had a heart attack or stroke originally was May 1. The deadline to register was Jan. 15.

"The resolution program is going forward in a satisfactory way. We expect to meet and exceed the threshold for funding of the program," said Merck & Co. spokesman Kent Jarrell.

Lawyers on the plaintiffs' steering committee said the extension raised no concerns, adding it was anticipated because the claims administrator was still verifying documents that already have been submitted.

"The enrollment has been overwhelming and the documents have been coming in at a great pace," said one of those lawyers, Andy Birchfield, of Beasley Allen in Montgomery, Ala.

Merck said that unverified claims are now at nearly 95 percent of eligible plaintiffs in all categories. Once 85 percent of eligible plaintiffs registered, Merck was obligated to participate in the settlement.

The deal was reached in November in an effort to end the bulk of about 61,100 Vioxx lawsuits. Some 45,000 eligible claimants had initiated enrollment by March 31, Merck said.

Merck pulled Vioxx from the market on Sept. 30, 2004, amid evidence the blockbuster drug doubled risk of heart attack and stroke.