On "The Australasian Journal of Bone and Joint Medicine" (aka "The Merck Journal of Advertising Propaganda and other Bullshit"

This is really pathetic. TheScientist reports (Merck published fake journal):

"Merck paid an undisclosed sum to Elsevier to produce several volumes of a publication that had the look of a peer-reviewed medical journal, but contained only reprinted or summarized articles--most of which presented data favorable to Merck products--that appeared to act solely as marketing tools with no disclosure of company sponsorship."

Elsevier has pulled the journal from its roster, but you can bet there are many more so-called peer-reviewed biomedical journals out there that fit this bill. The only reason we're hearing about this one is that Vioxx gave some Australian guy a heart attack and he's suing.

Lights Out For Merck's HIV Vaccine Program?

Perhaps underscoring ARW's suggestion re the need to explore alternative approaches to dealing with infectious disease, Merck have ended their phase II HIV vaccine trial due to lack of efficacy. This spells the end for their Adenovirus-based vector, the fruits of 20 years of R & D work. At least for the time being, they apparently have no specific plans to continue their HIV vaccine program.

Maybe a vector that induces a more vigorous immune response, such as VSV or vaccinia, will be more successful...and maybe Merck or competitors will be shopping around for new vector platforms in the near future...