A federal judge has approved a scheduling order in a lawsuit filed by Tirrell Allen against the manufacturers of the sickle-cell anemia drug Oxbryta. The trial is set for June 7, 2027, and is expected to last 12 to 15 days. Expert witnesses, doctors, and corporate representatives may testify on the drug’s development, testing, prescription, and use.
A recent study published in Blood revealed significant participant dropout rates in an Oxbryta trial. Over half of the 60 participants—31 individuals—did not complete all required steps, including failing to start the medication, missing follow-ups, or discontinuing use post-approval. Nine patients attended only one month of follow-up, further reducing the pool for analysis. These high dropout rates may compromise the study’s reliability and accuracy, raising concerns about the validity of its findings.
Oxbryta Therapy in Individuals with Sickle Cell DiseaseOxbryta lawsuits continue to emerge as patients allege severe side effects, including an increased risk of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). Claims against Pfizer and Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT) accuse the companies of knowingly failing to warn patients of these risks. Plaintiffs argue that proper warnings could have prevented injuries or deaths, as many may have avoided using Oxbryta (voxelotor) if informed. Lawsuits further allege that trial data demonstrated significant risks, yet the companies failed to notify regulators or withdraw the drug. These cases underscore concerns over transparency and patient safety in pharmaceutical practices.
A study published in the American Society of Hematology’s journal Blood revealed significant participation issues in the Oxbryta (voxelotor) study. Over half of the 60 patients did not complete all study steps—31 either did not start the drug, missed follow-up labs, or declined to take it after approval. An additional 9 patients only returned for one month of follow-up labs. This limited patient pool raises concerns about the reliability of the study's findings.
Effects of Oxbryta For Patience with Sickle Cell DiseaseAfter 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
Qualifying VOC complications include:
Other side effects may also qualify you to join the Oxbryta lawsuit. A full list of qualifying complications is as follows:
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
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.
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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