Over the last several months, many of the readers have been introduced to details of the Vioxx (rofecoxib; Merck & Co., Whitehouse Station, NJ) case through the mass media and the scientific literature. Facts about the pharmaceutical company's knowledge of the deaths that were directly linked to Vioxx use have come to light. In addition, there have been several reports of industry efforts to counter or cover its negative effects.One of the discoveries is directly relevant to the issue of scientific misconduct in publication. One of the original articles that reported on the Vioxx Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), including reports of fewer incidences of stomach ulcers and bleeding with Vioxx compared to those with other medications (Bombardier et al., 2000). Other scientists-essentially calling into question
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