As part of the civil resolution of these investigations, Merck has agreed to pay a total of $58 million to be divided among the 29 states and the District of Columbia. In April, Merck announced it had taken a pre-tax charge in the first quarter of $55 million in anticipation of this settlement. The agreement also includes compliance measures that supplement policies and procedures previously established by the company.
Bruce Kuhlik, executive vice president and general counsel of Merck, said: “Merck remains committed to communications that help patients and their physicians choose medicines based on accurate, fair and balanced information.”