Merck & Co., Inc. has agreed to pay $4.85 billion to resolve Vioxx-related claims in which a claimant has suffered a heart attack, sudden cardiac death, or stroke.

After more than five years of litigation, Merck has agreed to settle some 27,000 Vioxx lawsuits for a record $4.85 billion.

The litigation involving thousands of Vioxx lawsuits consolidated in U.S. District Court, under Judge Fallon related to the pain reliever, Vioxx, is going to be announced by Merck shortly, at a formal status conference.

The Vioxx settlement is larger than the $3.75 billion Fen-Phen settlement.

An official Vioxx Settlement Calculator has been developed to help individuals understand the complicated settlement criteria.

For more information on the landmark vioxx settlement, visit www.beasleyallen.com.