About The Oxbryta Lawsuit
After safety concerns and increased deaths resulted in Pfizer’s voluntary recall of its hallmark drug Oxbryta (voxelotor), patients who were harmed have begun filing lawsuits. Originally developed by Global Blood Therapeutics and later acquired by Pfizer, Oxbryta was approved by the FDA in 2019 as part of a fast-tracked process. The medication was prescribed to treat sickle cell disease (SCD) in adults and children.
Concerning results from postmarket clinical trials revealed a high rate of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) and several deaths among patients receiving Oxbryta, leading to the drug’s global recall in September 2024.
If you or a loved one suffered health complications after taking Oxbryta or voxelotor, it’s important to understand your legal rights. This article will explain everything you need to know about qualifying injuries and how to learn if you are eligible to join the lawsuit.
The Dangers of Oxbryta
Following Oxbryta’s approval in 2019, patients and doctors were hopeful about the medication’s potential to improve the well-being of those living with sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic condition that causes the body to produce abnormally shaped red blood cells. The resulting sickle-shaped blood cells can hinder blood flow, leading to vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) that can cause organ damage, pain, blood clots, and even death.
Oxbryta’s active ingredient, voxelotor, works by helping hemoglobin correctly bind to oxygen, lowering the probability of VOCs by preventing red blood cells from becoming sickle-shaped. Shockingly, clinical trials revealed that patients taking Oxbryta suffered more VOCs and adverse events than those in the placebo group—including eight patients who devastatingly passed away while taking the drug. These findings resulted in Pfizer voluntarily recalling Oxbryta in 2024. Health agencies around the world have instructed doctors and patients to transition to safer sickle cell disease treatment alternatives.
What Is The Focus Of The Lawsuit?
In light of the postmarket research and Pfizer’s recall, patients who suffered from VOCs and other health complications while taking Oxbryta have started filing lawsuits.
Plaintiffs and their lawyers allege that Global Blood Therapeutics and Pfizer acted negligently by:
- Failing to adequately assess Oxbryta’s safety before releasing it to the market, and
- Neglecting to inform patients about the health risks associated with Oxbryta.
Through these lawsuits, patients and their families hope to obtain compensation for their pain and suffering and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for proper safety testing of new drugs.
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