Last Monday, Merck released numerous documents related to Vioxx:
"'Past experience of other companies,' said Merck, 'suggests that documents will be presented out of context. ... As such, the documents, the surrounding events and the business practices of Merck may well be misinterpreted in any reporting.'
Commentators did not see this as a good move.
"On Monday, The Wall Street Journal wrote a 3,500-word story based on the documents -- a detailed article that, rather than simply presenting documents out of context -- used additional reporting to persuasively portray a Merck that fought vigorously to stamp out any suggestion that Vioxx could be linked to heart problems.
Shares fell $4.51, or 14%, over the next two days. [TheStreet.com]
