Zostavax uses a weakened form of the herpes zoster virus—commonly referred to as shingles—in order to activate the immune system
Plaintiffs allege that Zostavax caused even more serious complications, like blindness, hearing loss, paralysis, brain damage, and fatal liver failure.
Merck scientists accused the company of manipulating clinical test results.
Merck is currently battling another lawsuit for its mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In 2010, two former Merck scientists accused the company of manipulating clinical test results to maintain its U.S. monopoly on the MMR vaccine. The court documents allege that Merck noticed in the late 1990s that the vaccine was falling below the 95 percent efficiency requirement necessary to sell the vaccine. Instead of improving the vaccine, Merck allegedly tinkered with the clinical trial results—which the two whistleblowers say they were asked to help carry out.
Many pharmaceutical companies are protected under the 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, which requires that patients file injury claims with the federal government. However, Zostavax is not listed in the act’s injury table, allowing injured patients to file lawsuits in court.
Since the creation of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, injured patients have received $3.6 billion. READ MORE…