Merck Wins Third Fosamax Trial

New York, NYA Manhattan jury recently found in favor of drugmaker Merck in a case involving 67-year-old Judith Graves, who claimed she suffered jaw problems after she used the bone-thinning drug Fosamax, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Graves allegedly took the drug until November 2004 and had her jaw amputated in 2006, according to the news provider.

"We believe the evidence showed the company acted properly and that Fosamax did not cause the plaintiff's dental and jaw problems," said a lawyer for Merck. "Unfortunately, the plaintiff had multiple medical conditions that can cause people to develop jaw and dental problems, regardless of whether they were taking Fosamax."

According to the news source, Merck is facing more than 900 cases in both state and federal courts, most of which allege that the use of Fosamax can cause osteonecrosis, a condition that destroys the jaw. Most of the cases also contend that the drugmaker failed to properly warn customers of this risk.

Graves' case was the third bellwether case to have gone to trial, according to the news source.

"We'll keep fighting for Ms. Graves," an attorney for the woman told the news source, adding that they plan to appeal the decision.