Merck to Settle Bulk of Gardasil Lawsuits for Around $50 Million

Merck & Co. says it will settle a spate of lawsuits that blame the drugmaker’s blockbuster Gardasil cancer vaccine for causing autoimmune ailments that affect young women’s hearts and reproductive systems for an amount that is “not material” to the pharma firm.

Gardasil prevents human papillomavirus, or HPV infections. Under the accord, Merck would pay more than $50 million to settle more than 200 cases, according to people familiar with the matter. The deal would also resolve a closely watched case set for trial next month in state court in Los Angeles.

Merck, based in Rahway, New Jersey, said ...