Merck's local unit MSD Australia has been held liable in Australian Vioxx case. Slater & Gordon Ltd. had filed a case against the global pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co Inc., claiming that the Vioxx drug have doubled the risk of heart attacks. Graeme Peterson, 59, also stated that he suffered a heart attack after taking the drug and after that he was unable to work.

After using the medicine, many others also reportedly suffered heart attacks. Graeme Peterson have been awarded A$287,912 plus interest by the Federal Court judge Christopher Jessup on Friday, as it has been proved that the drug is the cause of heart attack. To settle thousands of U. S. personal-injury court cases, the drug maker Merck consented to pay $4.85 billion.

Slater & Gordon claimed that it knew of hundreds of Australians, which could cost Merck up to $300 million.

According to the law firm, Slater & Gordon have progressed about $4 million worth of work in half year accounts. On behalf of the firm's clients, about $3 million had been paid. Slater & Gordon has posted net profit of $9.48 million.