"If anyone could pull this off, it's Mark Lanier," said Jerrold Parker, another plaintiffs' lawyer who has sued Merck, after the verdict.

His family is suing Merck in Brazoria County, Tex., claiming that Vioxx caused his death.

Integra sued Merck in 1996.

On Thursday, at a meeting in Las Vegas for plaintiffs' lawyers only, those who are suing Merck, or plan to, expect to discuss specific strategies.

But many lawyers, even those who have sued Merck on behalf of patients who took Vioxx, said yesterday that there are clear-cut differences.

After those talks failed, Integra sued Merck in 1996 for patent infringement.

People worldwide who suffered heart attacks or strokes while taking Vioxx are preparing to sue Merck.

Mr. Ernst's family contends that Vioxx caused his death and is suing Merck in a state court in Angleton, about 30 miles south of Houston.

More than 7,000 people have already sued Merck over heart attacks or strokes they claim were caused by Vioxx, the company said when it reported earnings last week.

"A heart attack in exchange for an ulcer is a poor treatment," said Dr. Ray, who is now consulting with lawyers suing Merck.