M. today, Curfman and two other editors released an editorial on The New England Journal's Web site entitled "Expression of Concern, " which calls on the VIGOR authors to submit a correction of the 2000 manuscript.

FORBES: Merck's Deleted Data

It is the second time the NEJM has taken issue with a Vioxx trial--in December, it issued an expression of concern about the way heart risk was described in another big Merck study.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Last March, following accusations by independent bloggers in Japan and Germany, the American Heart Association (AHA) issued an Expression of Concern about five papers published in AHA journals co-authored by the chief investigator of the Kyoto Heart Study, Hiroaki Matsubara, who was a prominent cardiologist and researcher at Kyoto Prefectural University in Japan.

FORBES: Two Retractions For Embattled Chief Investigator Of Kyoto Heart Study

Last December, the NEJM editors published a strongly worded "expression of concern" arguing that Merck left out relevant data about cardiovascular problems that occurred among patients taking Vioxx in the trial, called Vigor.

FORBES: New Vioxx Revelations

The deposition helped lead NEJM to issue an "expression of concern" regarding Merck's biggest study of Vioxx, called VIGOR.

FORBES: Magazine Article

An editorial expression of concern, while falling short of the journal outright retracting a paper itself, raises a red flag to the scientific community that serious doubts exist about a paper's findings and can make it harder for researchers to obtain funding or publish papers, says R.

WSJ: Chronic-Fatigue Paper Called Into Question