Topic: Vioxx

Wayne Rohde discusses the publication of his book, The Vaccine Court, through Skyhorse Publishing after interviewing over 285 families. He explains the unique legal environment where vaccine manufacturers are shielded from defective design and product liability lawsuits, unlike other industries such as asbestos or pharmaceuticals.

The discussion links the marketing of the HPV vaccine to Merck's financial losses from the Vioxx scandal. The authors suggest the vaccine was a way to recoup revenue after Merck was forced to pay massive fines for clinical trial fraud related to the painkiller Vioxx.