At Least 8 Lawsuits Over Oxbryta Filed Against Pfizer, Global Blood Therapeutics

Lawsuits have been brought in California state court and federal court, claiming the recalled sickle cell disease drug caused serious health complications for former users.

At Least 8 Lawsuits Over Oxbryta Filed Against Pfizer, Global Blood Therapeutics
Irvin Jackson

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In response to a federal judge’s request for information about the number of Oxbryta lawsuits filed over the recalled sickle cell disease drug, lawyers have submitted a report indicating that there are two complaints pending in the federal court system, and at least another six brought in California state court, each raising similar allegations that former users suffered severe side effects and injuries.

Oxbryta (voxelotor) was introduced by Global Blood Therapeutics in 2019, as the first medication to treat the root cause of sickle cell disease, which it was supposed to do by improving hemoglobin levels in the body and helping the blood cells retain more oxygen. The company, and the drug, were purchased by Pfizer in 2022, who continued to sell the expensive treatment for about $88,000 per year for each patient receiving the treatment.

However, following numerous reports of users experiencing painful sickle cell complications and deaths, Pfizer announced a global Oxbryta recall in September 2024, after determining that risks associated with the treatment outweigh the potential benefits, discontinuing the drug only five years after it hit the market.

Oxbryta Lawsuit

Were you prescribed Oxbryta?

Oxbryta lawsuits are being filed for sickle cell disease patients who developed vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), strokes and other side effects caused by recalled Oxbryta.

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Oxbryta-Lawsuit-Attorney
Oxbryta-Lawsuit-Attorney

Oxbryta Lawsuit

Were you prescribed Oxbryta?

Oxbryta lawsuits are being filed for sickle cell disease patients who developed vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), strokes and other side effects caused by recalled Oxbryta.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION

Since the recall, a steady stream of lawsuits have been brought, alleging that side effects of Oxbryta actually cause users to face a higher rate of sickle cell disease-related incidents, known as vaso-occlusive crises (VOC).

Vaso-occlusive crises occur when the red blood cells block blood flow, and the tissues become deprived of oxygen. This can cause an inflammatory response, which can lead to symptoms like pain in the chest, back and limbs, as well as fever. Patients often have to be hospitalized and can suffer kidney failure and stroke. Additionally, many patients can die following a vaso-occlusive event.

In February, U.S. District Judge Trina L. Thompson in the Northern District of California scheduled an Oxbryta lawsuit for trial in summer of 2027, involving claims brought by Tirrell Allen, and asked lawyers involved in the case to submit a report outlining information about the status of others filed to date.

In a joint statement (PDF) submitted on March 7, the parties indicated that at least eight Oxbryta injury lawsuits have been filed, including one other claim beside the one brought by Allen in the federal court, and six in state courts. 

On March 5, Judge Thompson issued an order (PDF) calling for the one other federal Oxbryta lawsuit, which is a joint claim brought by four different former users, to be reassigned to her as a related case.

Judge Thompson has scheduled the Allen trial for June 2027, and while the outcome of that trial will not be binding on other Oxbryta lawsuits, it is likely to be closely watched to see how the jury responds to evidence and testimony that will likely be repeated throughout a large number of claims. The outcome could help the parties reach an Oxbryta settlement agreement for former users of the discontinued drug.

In the joint statement submitted last week, the parties indicated that they are already discussing a mediator and schedule for Oxbryta settlement talks, which may result in a quick resolution to the litigation.

Tags: Oxbryta, Oxbryta Recall, Pfizer, Sickle Cell, Stroke

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