Oxbryta Lawsuit Updates
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Over Sickle Cell Drug Oxbryta
Laura Christine Matteliano-Madu has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Global Blood Therapeutics (now part of Pfizer) and a hospital following the death of her husband, Nbubuisi Madu. Mr. Madu, who had sickle cell disease, began taking Oxbryta in a 2021 clinical trial. The lawsuit alleges that years later, he suffered a fatal vaso-occlusive crisis—a known complication where sickled cells block blood flow. The complaint claims the pharmaceutical defendants failed to adequately warn of risks and that the hospital provided negligent care, ultimately causing his death.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Over Sickle Cell Drug Oxbryta
Laura Christine Matteliano-Madu has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Global Blood Therapeutics (now part of Pfizer) and a hospital following the death of her husband, Nbubuisi Madu. Mr. Madu, who had sickle cell disease, began taking Oxbryta in a 2021 clinical trial. The lawsuit alleges that years later, he suffered a fatal vaso-occlusive crisis—a known complication where sickled cells block blood flow. The complaint claims the pharmaceutical defendants failed to adequately warn of risks and that the hospital provided negligent care, ultimately causing his death.
Pfizer Reaches Settlement in Oxbryta Injury Lawsuit
Maurice Frazier filed a lawsuit after suffering harm while taking Oxbryta for the treatment of sickle cell anemia. His legal team has reached a settlement agreement with Pfizer, which is currently being finalized. While using Oxbryta, Maurice experienced multiple vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), involving painful blockages that restricted blood and oxygen flow throughout his body. He alleges that Pfizer and Global Blood Therapeutics were aware of an elevated risk of VOCs but failed to adequately warn patients. The pending settlement is expected to help compensate Maurice for extensive medical expenses and personal hardship resulting from these complications.
Oxbryta Recalled in EU Over Safety Concerns as US Litigation Grows
The sickle cell drug Oxbryta was recalled in the European Union in September 2024, and the ban has been extended following further trial data. EU authorities concluded that patients taking the drug faced a higher risk of blood clots and mortality, particularly among children. In parallel, patients in the United States are filing lawsuits against manufacturers, including Pfizer, alleging a failure to warn about these serious risks. The litigation asserts that the companies were aware of the drug's dangerous side effects but did not adequately inform consumers or physicians.
About The Oxbryta Lawsuit
Following Pfizer’s global recall of Oxbryta (voxelotor) after reports of increased deaths and serious adverse events, patients and families have begun filing lawsuits seeking accountability and compensation.
Oxbryta was developed by Global Blood Therapeutics and later acquired by Pfizer. It received FDA approval in 2019 under an accelerated pathway to treat sickle cell disease (SCD) in adults and children. While initially promoted as a breakthrough therapy, postmarket clinical data later revealed alarming safety concerns.
In September 2024, Pfizer voluntarily recalled Oxbryta worldwide after clinical trial results showed higher rates of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) and patient deaths among those taking the drug compared to placebo.
If you or a loved one suffered serious complications after taking Oxbryta, you may have legal options.
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.
Oxbryta Recall Timeline (Key Events)
A short timeline builds authority and reassures users they’re not “late.”
Suggested content:
- 2019 – FDA grants accelerated approval for Oxbryta (voxelotor)
- 2019–2023 – Post-market studies track long-term safety outcomes
- 2024 – Clinical trials report increased VOCs and patient deaths
- September 2024 – Pfizer issues voluntary global recall
- 2025 – Patients and families begin filing Oxbryta lawsuits
This helps users immediately understand why lawsuits exist.
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.
Add Comment