If you or a loved one experienced severe health complications after taking Oxbryta, the dangerous drug attorneys at Hach & Rose, LLP are here to help. With decades of experience in pharmaceutical product liability, we’re committed to holding companies like Pfizer accountable for putting profits ahead of patient safety.
No matter where you live in the country, if you feel you have a case against Oxbryta’s manufacturers, contact us today.
Understanding Oxbryta and Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder where red blood cells take on a distinct “sickle” shape. These abnormally shaped cells can block blood vessels, leading to severe complications such as acute chest syndrome and stroke.
Oxbryta treats sickle cell disease by addressing the root cause of the condition: abnormal hemoglobin. It works by increasing hemoglobin’s oxygen-binding capacity, which helps reduce the formation of rigid, “sickle-shaped” red blood cells. By improving the shape and flexibility of red blood cells, Oxbryta helps restore proper blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body.
Key benefits of Oxbryta include:
- Reduction in hemolysis-related anemia, improving energy and quality of life.
- Fewer complications from blood flow blockages, such as pain crises and organ damage.
- A novel, disease-modifying approach for a traditionally symptom-managed condition.
Oxbryta represented a significant advancement in sickle cell treatment, offering hope to patients who have long relied on limited and symptom-focused therapies. However, its risks—including increased VOCs, severe pain, stroke, and fatalities—ultimately seem to outweigh its benefits.
What Is the Oxbryta Lawsuit?
The Oxbryta lawsuits are civil cases seeking compensation for victims who say the medication manufactured by Global Blood Therapeutics and Pfizer have caused dangerous symptoms, a worsening of the sickle cell disease, and, in some cases, death.
Oxbryta (generic name: voxelotor) was initially hailed as a breakthrough treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD), an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become hard and shaped like a sharp sickle.
The medication was developed by Global Blood Therapeutics and later purchased by Pfizer. However, once the product was already on the market, clinical trials revealed that it could cause serious health risks and death. This led Pfizer to withdraw the drug globally in September 2024.
After the severe and dangerous side effects were made public by the medication’s removal from the market, doctors and patients were able to pinpoint what was causing their new symptoms, leading to lawsuits being filed in Illinois and California. Presumably, there are many more in the works.
What are the Alleged Complications that SCD Patients are Experiencing?
Patients taking Oxbryta have reported severe complications, including blocked blood flow, which can lead to:
- Increased risk of Vaso-Occlusive Crises (VOCs): Patients reported a worsening in the frequency and severity of painful VOC episodes caused by blood vessel blockages.
- Strokes: Some plaintiffs experienced strokes allegedly linked to the drug’s effects on their vascular system.
- Organ Damage: Lawsuits allege that Oxbryta use led to tissue and organ damage, including kidney failure.
- Severe Arthritis: Lawsuits and studies have also reported cases of arthritis linked to Oxbryta. Patients experienced joint pain and inflammation, which they attributed to the medication’s adverse effects.
- Hospitalizations: Adverse events often led to severe health deterioration, necessitating emergency medical intervention and extended hospital stays.
- Exacerbation of Sickle Cell Disease Symptoms: Rather than improving their condition, patients experienced a worsening of SCD-related symptoms while on Oxbryta.
- Acute Chest Syndrome: Additionally, a life-threatening condition that mimics pneumonia, was identified as another serious health risk associated with Oxbryta.
- Death: In some cases, the drug was implicated in life-threatening complications or fatalities.
These lawsuits against Pfizer and Global Blood Therapeutics allege that not only did the drug cause these severe health problems, but that the company was negligent, produced a product with defective design, and then proceeded not to properly warn patients and physicians about these life-threatening side effects.
Instead of improving the lives of those fighting sickle cell disease, Oxbryta has potentially caused unnecessary suffering, financial strain, and a devastating loss of a loved one for many families.
FDA Warnings and the Global Oxbryta Recall
On September 25, 2024, Pfizer voluntarily withdrew Oxbryta from all markets, stating that the drug’s risks outweighed its benefits. Global Blood Therapeutics, the company responsible for the development and initial approval of Oxbryta, played a significant role in its regulatory processes, including the FDA’s accelerated approval.
The following day, the FDA issued warnings advising patients to stop taking Oxbryta and consult their doctors immediately.
Authorities like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) similarly recommended suspending the drug, citing “serious concerns” over its safety. These warnings and the global withdrawal underscore the urgency for affected patients to seek legal counsel.
Why Patients Are Suing Pfizer and Global Blood Therapeutics?
Patients are suing Pfizer and Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT) primarily over allegations that the companies failed to properly warn patients and doctors of the risks and side effects associated with Oxbryta, a medication used to treat sickle cell disease.
The lawsuits claim that these companies neglected their responsibility to warn patients and healthcare providers about the potential harm, resulting in unexpected health complications. Critics argue that this lack of transparency endangered patients’ well-being and violated consumer protection laws.
One of the main reasons behind these lawsuits is the claim that Pfizer and GBT prioritized profit over patient safety. Allegations suggest that the companies rushed the medication to market or downplayed risks in marketing materials to maximize sales. Patients contend that they were not adequately informed about the potential for severe side effects, which may have influenced their decision to use the drug.
The most common reasons that these Oxbryta lawsuits site are:
- Failure to Warn: Pfizer allegedly did not adequately inform patients and healthcare providers about the risks of serious side effects, including increased vaso-occlusive crises, stroke, organ failure, and death.
- Negligence: The company is accused of not conducting sufficient testing or monitoring to identify and mitigate the drug’s potential dangers.
- Product Liability: Claims assert that Oxbryta was defectively designed or manufactured, making it unreasonably dangerous for its intended use.
- Breach of Warranty: Pfizer is alleged to have violated express or implied promises regarding Oxbryta’s safety and effectiveness.
- Fraudulent Misrepresentation: The company is accused of intentionally providing false or misleading information about the drug’s safety profile.
These lawsuits seek to hold the companies accountable for the harm patients have endured. Plaintiffs often pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from their injuries. In some cases, the lawsuits aim to prompt stronger regulatory oversight to ensure that future medications prioritize safety over corporate interests.
How Hach & Rose, LLP Can Help
At Hach & Rose, LLP, our team has the expertise, resources, and dedication necessary to take on large pharmaceutical companies. We’ve helped victims of defective drugs secure compensation for damages such as:
- Medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, and therapies
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Funeral expenses, in cases of wrongful death
Our experienced attorneys handle every step of the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or litigating in court. You can depend on us to fight for justice and fair compensation.
Why Choose Hach & Rose, LLP?
At Hach & Rose, LLP, we specialize in holding major corporations responsible for harm caused by their defective products. Our team understands the challenges victims face when going up against pharmaceutical giants, and we’re prepared to fight for your rights.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Decades of Experience – We’ve successfully represented numerous victims of dangerous drugs and defective products.
- Aggressive Representation – Whether negotiating with insurers or taking your case to trial, we don’t back down.
- Compassionate Advocacy – We understand the emotional and financial toll this has taken on you and your family. You’re not just a client; you’re part of our community.
- No Fees Unless We Win – We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless you receive compensation.
FAQs about the Oxbryta Lawsuits
If you or your loved one took Oxbryta and experienced any of the following, you could be eligible to join the lawsuit against Pfizer:
- Worsened vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs)
- New or worsening organ damage
- Stroke or life-threatening blood clots
- Severe arthritis or chronic pain
- The loss of a loved one who used Oxbryta
It is crucial to consult healthcare providers about alternative treatments and report any adverse events related to Oxbryta.
Filing a lawsuit may help you recover compensation for the hardships you’ve faced and hold Pfizer accountable for its failure to ensure patient safety.
To be eligible for an Oxbryta lawsuit, you must have suffered harm or adverse effects after using the medication, such as severe health complications not disclosed by the manufacturer. Consulting a lawyer can help determine if your case meets the criteria based on your specific circumstances.
Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with the harm caused by Oxbryta. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to hold the manufacturer accountable.
Filing an Oxbryta lawsuit involves gathering medical records, evidence of harm, and consulting a lawyer who specializes in pharmaceutical litigation. They will guide you through filing the claim and representing your interests in court.
The statute of limitations varies by state but generally requires filing within two to four years of discovering the harm caused by Oxbryta. You can look up your state’s statute of limitations on defective medication lawsuits through a quick Google search. But it’s best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the legal timeframe and handled correctly.
Contact Hach & Rose, LLP Today to File an Oxbryta Lawsuit
If you or your loved one suffered severe health complications while taking Oxbryta, our attorneys are ready to evaluate your case. At Hach & Rose, LLP, we believe patients deserve justice when pharmaceutical companies fail to protect their safety.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. You can reach us by phone at (646) 466-4083 or use our online contact form to get started.
The fight for accountability begins here. Allow us to stand with you and seek the compensation you deserve.