Merck Resolves Investigations Under State Consumer Protection Statutes Related to...

Merck Resolves Investigations Under State Consumer Protection Statutes Related to VIOXX

Previously Announced Charge will Largely Cover Settlement Cost
WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J.--(Business Wire)--
Merck & Co., Inc. today said it has reached civil settlements with
Attorneys General from 29 states and the District of Columbia to fully
resolve previously disclosed investigations under state consumer
protection laws related to past activities for VIOXX.

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.

We believe that Merck acted in good faith and that the Company's
activities in support of VIOXX were intended to fully comply with
relevant regulations.

"Merck remains committed to communications that help patients and
their physicians choose medicines based on accurate, fair and balanced
information," said Bruce Kuhlik, executive vice president and general
counsel of Merck. "Today's agreement enables Merck to put this matter
behind us and focus on what Merck does best, developing new
medicines."

About Merck

Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical
company dedicated to putting patients first. Established in 1891,
Merck currently discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines
and medicines to address unmet medical needs. The Company devotes
extensive efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching
programs that not only donate Merck medicines but help deliver them to
the people who need them. Merck also publishes unbiased health
information as a not-for-profit service. For more information, visit
www.merck.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that
term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations
and involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause results to differ
materially from those set forth in the statements. The forward-looking
statements may include statements regarding product development,
product potential or financial performance. No forward-looking
statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially
from those projected. Merck undertakes no obligation to publicly
update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new
information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements
in this press release should be evaluated together with the many
uncertainties that affect Merck's business, particularly those
mentioned in the risk factors and cautionary statements in Item 1A of
Merck's Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007, and in any risk
factors or cautionary statements contained in the Company's periodic
reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K, which the Company
incorporates by reference.

Merck & Co., Inc.
Media:
Ron Rogers, 908-423-6449
or
Investors:
Graeme Bell, 908-423-5185

Copyright Business Wire 2008