Oxbryta® Lawsuit

SCD is an inherited disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. People with SCD have malformed red blood cells, making it harder for blood to move through the body and reduces oxygen delivery. Oxbryta (voxelotor) is a prescription medication developed by Pfizer to treat SCD by helping hemoglobin carry oxygen in the blood. 

However, after Oxbryta’s release, studies revealed significant, increased risks. In clinical trials and registry studies involving people taking Oxbryta, higher than expected incidence of death and an unexpected increase in vaso-occlusive crisis were reported.

Vaso-occlusive crises are acute pain events caused by sickled red blood cells blocking blood flow to tissue. Vaso-occlusive crisis can lead to serious complications. These include organ damage and failure, stroke, arthritis and death.

Oxbryta has been linked to an increased risk of:

• Death – Studies showed a higher rate of mortality among Oxbryta patients when compared to individuals in the placebo groups.
• Vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) – VOCs are a dangerous, painful complication of SCD that occur when sickled red blood cells block blood flow to tissues. This can result in severe pain and lead to potential organ damage. Oxbryta patients experienced VOCs more frequently compared to patients not using the drug. This resulted in greater risk of long-term health issues such as organ damage and failure, and stroke.

Our medical attorneys have extensive experience with prescription and over-the-counter drug cases.

We understand the complex legal and scientific aspects of medical litigation. Our team works to uncover product development and aggressive marketing practices that may have caused you or a loved one harm. 

Our attorneys handle all aspects of discovery and trial in medical lawsuits, including: 

• Adequacy of warnings
• Allegations of product defects
• Compliance with FDA regulations
• Coordination of witnesses and experts
• Medical causation
• Product identification

Our attorneys have represented victims of medications including:

• Belviq® (lorcaserin)
• Ozempic® and Wegovy® (semaglutide)
• Proton Pump Inhibitors
• Talcum Powder
• Zantac® (ranitidine)

Learn more about our medical drug litigation experience here.

Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor's advice can result in injury or death. Oxbryta, Ozempic and Wegovy remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.