Mark Lanier
PER
Mark Lanier Lanier
In the previous trials, testimony that the plaintiffs took the drug for shorter periods was a crucial element in Merck's defense in addition, the lead plaintiffs' lawyer is W. Mark Lanier, who defeated Merck last year in the first Vioxx lawsuit to reach a jury. Mr. Lanier brought his Texas twang, trademark humor and showmanship to his closing, telling the jury that the case should be called "Desperate Executives," a corporate version of the television show "Desperate Housewives." Even before Merck began testing Vioxx, Mr. Lanier said, company scientists were concerned that the drug might cause heart attacks by increasing the propensity of the blood to clot.