Merck to seek Vioxx OK for rheumatoid

Merck & Co's COX-2 inhibitor Vioxx (rofecoxib) is associated with 50%fewer serious gastrointestinal effects compared to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent naproxen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to data published in the New England Journal of Medicine (November 23). Furthermore, Vioxx significantly reduced the risk of the most serious of these GI side effects by 60%. Merck says that it has submitted these data to the US Food and Drug Administration, seeking changes to the prescribing label for use of the drug in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Vioxx is currently only approved for osteoarthritis and acute pain.