Merck & Co said today it has agreed to pay $100 million to resolve all US product liability lawsuits involving its NuvaRing contraceptive product.

Merck, the second-biggest US drugmaker, denied any fault under the agreement, which it said must be accepted by 95 per cent of the approximately 3,800 eligible patients involved in lawsuits now pending in federal and state courts. The lawsuits allege Merck downplayed serious health risks associated with the product, including dangerous blood clots. (Reuters)