The round of Vioxx litigation has moved nearer to a close, with US drugmaker Merck agreeing to settle for $4.85bn the bulk of the threatening lawsuits over the painkiller it withdrew in 2004 because of its links to heart and stroke risks.

But the Vioxx era will live on. The drug may well be remembered best in years to come for its effect on the entire pharmaceuticals industry – not just on Merck.