Wrongful Death Lawsuit Links Oxbryta Side Effects to Deadly Vaso-Occlusive Crises

Oxbryta lawsuit indicates side effects of the recalled sickle cell disease drug caused VOCs, stroke and the untimely death of a Tennessee man.

According to a recently filed wrongful death lawsuit, side effects of the recalled sickle cell disease drug Oxbryta led to various health emergencies, which caused the untimely death of a Tennessee man a mere two years after he started taking it.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Diana Ford, on behalf of herself and the estate of Bruce Ford, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on May 16. The lawsuit names Global Blood Therapeutics and Pfizer, Inc. as the defendants, indicating they formulated, promoted and sold a defective sickle cell disease drug that led to Ford’s death.

Oxbryta (voxelotor) was originally introduced by Global Blood Therapeutics in 2019 and was designed as the first medication to address the root causes of sickle cell disease, which its designers claimed it would do by improving hemoglobin levels in the body, helping the blood cells retain more oxygen. The company, and the drug, was purchased by Pfizer in 2022.

Ford outlines allegations similar to this brought in a number of similar Oxbryta lawsuits, with users indicating they were left with worsening sickle cell disease side effects, complications and deaths due to an increased risk of vaso-occlusive crises caused by the drug. As a result of these problems, Pfizer announced an Oxbryta recall in September 2024.

Vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) 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.

Ford’s lawsuit blames his death on VOCs caused by Oxbryta side effects. He began taking the drug in September 2022 to treat his sickle cell disease on the recommendations of his doctor. However, the lawsuit indicates neither he nor his physicians were ever warned about the increased risk of Oxbryta VOCs.

“While being prescribed and consuming Oxbryta, Plaintiff Bruce Ford suffered a significant number of side effects, including a higher rate of VOCs than prior to starting the medication, pain, swelling, stroke and death – all caused by his consumption of Oxbryta,” the lawsuit states. “In April 2024, while still on Oxbryta, Bruce Ford had a VOC which led to a stroke and hospitalization.”

Ford, 62, died on May 19, 2024, due to stroke and sickle cell disease complications, according to the complaint. The lawsuit indicates his death is, in part, due to the failure of the manufacturers to timely and accurately inform the medical community and plaintiffs about the risks of Oxbryta side effects.

Diana Ford presents claims of design defect, failure to warn, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, breach of warranties, unjust enrichment, wrongful death, loss of consortium and violations of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.