Oxbryta Lawsuit Updates
Oxbryta Lawsuits Proceed as Patients Cite Blood Clot Risks and Pfizer’s Replacement Drug Faces Similar Issues
Hundreds of sickle cell anemia patients who took Oxbryta experienced severe complications, including blood clots and fatalities, leading to the drug’s market withdrawal. Pfizer, which acquired Oxbryta through its purchase of Global Blood Therapeutics, has been developing a replacement treatment. However, clinical trials of the new drug also reported elevated blood clot rates. Affected patients and families are now filing lawsuits against Pfizer, seeking compensation for medical expenses, suffering, and losses resulting from these safety issues.
Court Orders Formal Oxbryta Settlement Negotiations to Begin September 9, 2025
The court has ordered formal settlement negotiations in the Oxbryta litigation. Judge Trina L. Thompson appointed Retired Judge Philip S. Gutierrez to oversee mediation and directed both parties to commence settlement talks on September 9, 2025. This directive signals the court's clear intent to accelerate resolution efforts, moving the litigation beyond its preliminary stages into substantive settlement negotiations.
Pfizer's Inclacumab Fails Phase 3 Trial, Intensifying Scrutiny of $5.4B Sickle Cell Acquisition
Pfizer's sickle cell disease portfolio suffered another setback with the failure of its experimental drug inclacumab in a pivotal Phase 3 trial. Announced this week, inclacumab showed no meaningful reduction in vaso-occlusive crises compared to placebo. This failure intensifies scrutiny of Pfizer's $5.4 billion acquisition of Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT), already under fire following the 2024 global withdrawal of Oxbryta (voxelotor). Oxbryta, acquired via GBT, is now the subject of lawsuits alleging links to increased complications and patient deaths. The result is a significant setback for patients seeking new treatments. While Pfizer states it remains committed to the sickle cell community and will continue developing another GBT-acquired therapy, osivelotor, confidence is diminished following Oxbryta's withdrawal and inclacumab's failure. Plaintiff lawyers may argue this sequence supports a narrative that Pfizer prioritized acquisition potential over verified safety and efficacy, compounding concerns raised by the Oxbryta litigation regarding risk management for a vulnerable patient population.
Lawsuit Filed Against Pfizer and GBT Over Oxbryta-Related Death
Dianna Ford has initiated a lawsuit against Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT), the manufacturer of Oxbryta, and its parent company, Pfizer Inc. The suit stems from the death of her husband, Bruce Ford. Mr. Ford was prescribed Oxbryta for sickle cell disease treatment but subsequently developed serious blood clots, suffered a stroke, and died. Ms. Ford alleges these fatal injuries were caused by Oxbryta. The lawsuit seeks to hold the manufacturers accountable, claiming they produced a dangerous drug and failed to adequately warn patients and physicians of its associated risks.
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.
Who Is The Lawsuit For?
The Oxbryta lawsuit is for any patient who took Oxbryta (voxelotor) and then suffered from VOCs or serious health problems like stroke, pain, organ damage, and more. Patients should work with their legal teams to gather evidence proving their injuries, like medical records, prescription information, personal statements, and other relevant documentation. Financial records like bills and receipts should also be compiled to help verify economic impact.
Who May Qualify For The Oxbryta Lawsuit?
To join the Oxbryta lawsuit, you or your loved one must meet several requirements. While every case is different and you will need to consult with an attorney, factors to consider include:
- You must have been prescribed Oxbryta (voxelotor) to treat complications from sickle cell disease (SCD)
- You must have suffered a vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) during or following Oxbryta treatment
Qualifying VOC complications include:
- Organ damage or stroke
- Serious allergic reactions leading to anaphylaxis, facial and throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- Death resulting during or after Oxbryta treatment
Other side effects may also qualify you to join the Oxbryta lawsuit. A full list of qualifying complications is as follows:
- Increased incidence of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs)
- Organ failure (kidney, liver, etc.)
- Stroke
- Arthritis
- Headaches
- Diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Rash
- Leg Ulcers
- Worsened hemolytic anemia
- Allergic reactions
- Liver problems
- Death
If you meet the above requirements, you may be entitled to compensation. We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility. Various factors impact eligibility, and all cases are unique
Do I Have to Pay for an Attorney?
If you are considering seeking justice after you or a loved one was harmed by Oxbryta, you may be wondering how much it costs to hire an attorney. It’s important to understand that most lawyers working on Oxbryta lawsuits do not require payment upfront. Instead, they work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are paid a percentage of your compensation only if you win your case. This fee structure helps prevent financial concerns from standing in the way of justice for those impacted by Oxbryta. Your attorney can assist if you have further questions about legal fees and how they are paid.
Lawsuit Time Limits
The deadline to file a lawsuit will depend on factors like the state you live in, when you discovered your injury, and more. Speaking with an experienced attorney is the best way to determine when you must file your claim.
Attorneys in the OCA network are ready to help you evaluate if you qualify for the Oxbryta lawsuit. Fill out the form at the top of the page today to be connected with a lawyer committed to supporting you on your journey toward justice.
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