Merck & Co. Inc. said, a federal judge in New Jersey dismissed with prejudice a consolidated securities class action filed by investors against the company in connection with disclosures regarding Vioxx.

In his April 12 ruling, Judge Stanley Chesler of the US district court in Newark found that the securities action should be dismissed because all of the plaintiffs' claims were time-barred under the applicable statutes of limitations.

Merck & Co. Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first. 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 also help deliver them to the people who need them.