Hagens Berman Solbol Shapiro Cases

Zetia and Vytorin

Date Filed: January 17, 2008

Court: U.S. District Court

Location: New Jersey

Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Merck and Schering-Plough, manufacturers of Zetia and Vytorin alleging the companies violated state consumer protection laws arising from the sale and marketing of Zetia and Vytorin.

Vytorin is the combination of Zetia and Zocor, a statin now available as a generic drug for about one third of the cost.

The lawsuit centers around allegations that the companies have known since 2006 that the combination of drugs was no more effective than the generic version of Zocor in blocking the fatty arterial plaques that can cause heart attack and stroke, as it led consumers to believe.

The lawsuit seeks the return of money to purchasers of Vytorin and Zetia, which the study shows are no more effective than the generic form of Zocor.

If you are a Vytorin or Zetia patient and would like to join this lawsuit please contact the firm by clicking here, calling 206-623-7292 or send an e-mail to info@hbsslaw.com .

CASE UPDATES:

June 4, 2008 – Today Hagens Berman was appointed co-lead counsel in the case against Merck and Schering-Plough, manufacturers of Zetia and Vytorin prescription medication.

The court order outlines an organizational structure consisting of 12 law firms that comprise the plaintiff’s steering committee. Of that committee, HBSS along with four other firms is responsible for coordinating and leading the activities of the plaintiff’s counsel during pretrial proceedings.

To view the complete order, please click here.

January 21, 2008 - Since the filing of the proposed class-action lawsuit against Merck and Schering-Plough concerning the popular drugs Zetia and Vytorin, Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro has received hundreds of calls and e-mails regarding the case.

Due to the high volume of interest in the case, we will be posting periodic updates on this site.

HBSS filed the case in New Jersey Federal Court alleging Merck and Schering-Plough misled consumers in the sale and marketing of Zetia and Vytorin. The defendants have not yet responded to complaint, but have 20 days to do so. Once that response has been filed, the court will set a calendar for case events. We expect the court to hear arguments for class certification in the coming months.

HBSS is continuing to seek potential class of patients and users of Zetia and Vytorin. The firm may file additional cases and if you wish to be a class representative you can e-mail your contact information and circumstance to info@hbsslaw.com .

Please check back for further updates.