Oxbryta Lawsuit

A federal judge has scheduled a wrongful death lawsuit involving the sickle cell medication Oxbryta (voxelotor) for trial on September 13, 2027, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

The case, filed by plaintiff Diana Ford in May 2025, alleges that her husband, Bruce Ford, died from a stroke on May 19, 2024, while taking Oxbryta.

Court filings claim the stroke resulted from a vaso-occlusive crisis triggered by the medication, which had been prescribed to manage his sickle cell disease.

The Oxbryta lawsuit includes allegations of design defect, failure to warn, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, breach of warranty, and wrongful death.

A pretrial conference is set for July 29, 2027. Fact discovery is expected to close on November 6, 2026, with expert discovery concluding by February 12, 2027.

The case is part of a growing group of Oxbryta lawsuits filed against Pfizer and Global Blood Therapeutics.

Plaintiffs in the litigation allege that the drug caused serious complications—including vaso-occlusive crises, strokes, and deaths—and that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn users and healthcare providers.

Oxbryta was voluntarily withdrawn from the market in September 2024 after post-marketing reports linked the drug to life-threatening events.

A separate Oxbryta bellwether trial is scheduled for June 7, 2027, marking a key test case in the federal litigation.

Settlement negotiations in the Oxbryta class action are scheduled to begin on September 9, 2025, with retired Judge Philip S. Gutierrez appointed to serve as mediator.

The court is also expected to rule later this month on Pfizer’s motion to dismiss the class action—a decision that will determine whether the case proceeds.

The class action seeks compensation for all individuals prescribed Oxbryta since its FDA approval in 2019. Plaintiffs allege that Pfizer engaged in misleading marketing practices and failed to adequately warn patients and providers about the drug’s potential risks.

The case centers on claims that Pfizer continued to promote Oxbryta despite emerging evidence linking it to an increased risk of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) and death.

The drug was ultimately pulled from the market in September 2024.

Separate from the class action, a group of mass tort lawsuits has also been filed by individuals who suffered specific injuries—such as VOCs, hospitalizations, or death—after taking Oxbryta.

These cases are being pursued individually and are not included in the class action proceedings.

A wrongful death suit was initiated on May 16 in California against Global Blood Therapeutics and Pfizer, alleging that their drug Oxbryta led to fatal medical outcomes for Bruce Ford, a Tennessee resident.

His widow, Diana Ford, filed the complaint claiming the medication contributed to a surge in vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), ultimately triggering a stroke and his death in May 2024.

According to the legal filing, Bruce Ford began treatment with Oxbryta in September 2022.

Soon after, he experienced a notable rise in VOC episodes, culminating in a stroke during one such episode in April 2024.

The lawsuit asserts that the drug manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings to patients and healthcare providers about the potential for increased VOC risks, thereby compromising patient safety.

Pfizer conducted a recall of Oxbryta in September 2024, prompted by multiple reports of similar adverse effects.

The lawsuit levels several charges including defective design, failure to warn, negligence, breach of express and implied warranties, and violations of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, underscoring the broader concerns around drug safety and manufacturer responsibility.

On May 19, 2025, a federal judge announced that a jury trial will commence on August 2, 2027, in a class action lawsuit targeting Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT) and its parent company, Pfizer.

The legal action stems from allegations concerning the now-recalled sickle cell treatment, Oxbryta.

Unlike the separate mass tort litigation, which addresses specific personal injury claims, this class action represents all individuals who took Oxbryta, regardless of whether they experienced harm.

The central accusation is that the drugmakers failed to sufficiently warn the public about significant safety concerns prior to the drug’s voluntary withdrawal from the market.

The plaintiffs seek both financial compensation and non-monetary remedies, citing a systematic failure to disclose known health risks associated with the medication.

Pretrial activities are currently in progress in the U.S. District Court, preparing the case for its 2027 trial.

If you or someone close to you experienced adverse effects after taking Oxbryta, you may be eligible to join the separate multidistrict litigation (MDL) for injury claims. Use the chatbot on this page to check your eligibility instantly.

At least eight lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer and Global Blood Therapeutics following the market withdrawal of Oxbryta, a sickle cell disease medication.

Plaintiffs allege the drug caused severe health complications, including painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), kidney failure, stroke, and in some cases, death.

Oxbryta was pulled from the market in September 2024 after regulators determined that its risks outweighed its potential benefits.

Since then, two federal lawsuits and six state cases in California have been filed.

U.S. District Judge Trina L. Thompson, presiding over the federal cases in the Northern District of California, has scheduled the first Oxbryta trial for June 2027.

While that verdict will not directly impact all other lawsuits, it is expected to influence future Oxbryta settlement negotiations.

In the meantime, parties are exploring mediation as a potential path to early resolution.

The litigation continues to grow as more individuals come forward with claims of injury caused by the recalled drug.

If you or a loved one used Oxbryta (voxelotor) tablets for sickle cell disease and suffered complications, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and learn if you qualify to join others in filing an Oxbryta lawsuit today.

Pfizer is seeking to dismiss several lawsuits filed by individuals who used the recalled sickle cell disease drug Oxbryta.

The company argues that the claims are preempted by federal law and that the plaintiffs do not meet the requirements for class certification.

Oxbryta, originally approved by the FDA in 2019 and later acquired by Pfizer in 2022, was recalled in September 2024 following reports of serious side effects, including vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), strokes, and fatalities.

Plaintiffs allege that Pfizer and Global Blood Therapeutics, the drug’s original developer, failed to adequately warn users about these risks.

In its motion to dismiss, Pfizer maintains that it is shielded from liability due to the FDA’s approval of the drug’s labeling and asserts other legal defenses.

The lawsuits also include claims of fraud and violations of various consumer protection laws.

Despite Pfizer’s attempt to end the litigation, plaintiffs continue to seek accountability for the harm caused by the recalled medication.

The court’s ruling on this motion could have significant implications for the future of the Oxbryta litigation.

If you or a loved one used Oxbryta (voxelotor) tablets for sickle cell disease and suffered complications, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and learn if you qualify to join others in filing an Oxbryta lawsuit today.

A federal judge has issued a scheduling order for the Oxbryta injury lawsuit, setting the trial date for June 7, 2027.

This case is expected to be the first federal trial addressing the serious side effects associated with Oxbryta, a drug introduced in 2019 by Global Blood Therapeutics to treat sickle cell disease.

The medication was designed to improve hemoglobin levels and help blood cells retain more oxygen.

However, after a series of concerning reports about severe complications, including strokes and vaso-occlusive crises, Pfizer, which acquired Global Blood Therapeutics in 2022, issued a global recall in September 2024.

One notable lawsuit filed in November 2024 involves a man who claims Oxbryta caused him to suffer a stroke and frequent vaso-occlusive crises, which result in severe pain, organ damage, and even death.

In February 2025, the court issued a case management and scheduling order for this specific lawsuit, outlining deadlines for completing fact and expert discovery by late 2025 and early 2026.

If you or a loved one used Oxbryta (voxelotor) tablets for sickle cell disease and suffered complications, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and learn if you qualify to join others in filing an Oxbryta lawsuit today.

Understanding Vaso-Occlusive Crises in Sickle Cell Disease

Vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) are one of the most severe complications of sickle cell disease (SCD), causing intense pain, hospitalizations, and long-term health issues.

VOC occurs when sickled red blood cells obstruct blood flow and deprive tissues of oxygen.

This process leads to tissue damage, organ failure, and increased risk of recurrent crises.

Studies show that VOC follows four stages, progressing from mild aching pain to severe tissue infarction and inflammation.

Many patients never reach resolution, as VOC often leads to secondary vaso-occlusive crises (sVOC), resulting in prolonged hospital stays, worsening symptoms, and life-threatening complications like acute chest syndrome.

Repeated VOC episodes contribute to chronic organ damage and reduced life expectancy in SCD patients.

Common complications include:

• Chronic Pain & Neuropathy: Nerve damage caused by recurrent ischemia leads to persistent pain.
• Osteonecrosis & Joint Damage: Blocked blood flow to bones increases the risk of arthritis and bone deterioration.
• Retinopathy & Vision Loss: Retinal vessel blockages may result in blindness.
• Increased Stroke Risk: Impaired circulation raises the likelihood of stroke.

Oxbryta (voxelotor) was designed to reduce sickling of red blood cells and prevent VOC episodes by stabilizing hemoglobin.

However, emerging reports indicate that the drug may have caused severe complications for some patients.

Lawsuits allege that Oxbryta increased hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown), exacerbating anemia and triggering secondary VOC events.

Post-market surveillance linked the drug to worsened pain crises, heightened inflammation, and multi-organ damage.

Plaintiffs argue that patients were not adequately warned about these risks before taking Oxbryta.

If you or a loved one used Oxbryta (voxelotor) tablets for sickle cell disease and suffered complications, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and learn if you qualify to join others in filing an Oxbryta lawsuit today.

The Oxbryta Lawsuit is ongoing, with Pfizer facing a rising number of legal actions over its sickle cell treatment, Oxbryta, following the drug’s market withdrawal.

Plaintiffs claim that Pfizer knew of serious and life-threatening complications caused by Oxbryta but failed to update the drug’s label to include these risks.

According to the complaint, this failure rendered the drug “misbranded” under federal law, which mandates that drug labels must remain accurate as new scientific information becomes available.

The Oxbryta Lawsuit focuses primarily on economic damages, asserting that patients would have opted for alternative treatments or paid less for Oxbryta if the risks had been properly disclosed.

This case adds to the scrutiny Pfizer faces regarding its handling of the medication and the alleged harm it caused to patients.

If you or a loved one used Oxbryta (voxelotor) tablets and later experienced severe complications—such as vaso-occlusive crises, organ damage, stroke, kidney failure, or other life-threatening injuries—you may be eligible to pursue legal action for compensation.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation and to connect with our Oxbryta Lawyers.

An Illinois resident has filed a lawsuit against Global Blood Therapeutics, a Pfizer subsidiary, alleging that the sickle cell disease medication Oxbryta caused him to suffer a stroke and more frequent vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs).

The lawsuit, filed on October 23 in California Superior Court for San Francisco, follows Pfizer’s global recall of Oxbryta due to reports of serious complications among patients.

Oxbryta (voxelotor), approved in 2019 under the FDA’s accelerated approval program, was marketed as a pioneering treatment for sickle cell anemia, designed to improve hemoglobin levels and enhance oxygen retention in red blood cells.

Pfizer acquired Global Blood Therapeutics in 2022 and continued selling the drug at a high cost.

However, increasing reports of VOCs and patient deaths led to the recall last month after Pfizer identified a significant risk-to-benefit imbalance.

The plaintiff claims Oxbryta caused painful episodes that required blood transfusions and hospitalizations.

In recent weeks, he suffered a stroke, resulting in vision loss, the inability to drive, and other impairments.

After learning of the recall on September 25, he stopped using Oxbryta but has continued to experience VOCs and remains hospitalized.

The lawsuit alleges that Oxbryta’s manufacturer failed to conduct adequate pre-market testing or warn about serious risks, including higher VOC rates and fatalities observed during clinical trials, which were flagged by European regulators.

If you or a loved one has been affected by Oxbryta, it’s important to understand your legal options. Reports have raised concerns about the drug’s severe effects, particularly among children in clinical trials.

If you or a loved one used Oxbryta (voxelotor) tablets and subsequently experienced severe complications—such as vaso-occlusive crises, organ damage, stroke, kidney failure, or other life-threatening injuries—you may be eligible to pursue legal action for compensation.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation and to get in touch with our Oxbryta Lawyers.

In a major development, Pfizer has announced the market withdrawal of Oxbryta, a drug used to treat sickle cell disease.

Originally prescribed to improve blood oxygen levels in patients, particularly children, Oxbryta has been under scrutiny after reports of adverse events during a Phase 3 clinical trial.

The trial, which involved young children, revealed a concerning mortality rate among participants taking Oxbryta compared to those in the placebo group, leading Pfizer to halt distribution.

This recall has prompted multiple lawsuits, raising serious concerns about the drug’s safety and its pre-approval clinical testing. 

Although some cases have already been filed, there may be the potential for a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) if additional lawsuits are brought forward. 

However, due to the relatively small number of patients who used Oxbryta, this litigation may remain more limited in scale, rather than growing into a mass tort involving thousands of plaintiffs.

The Oxbryta recall highlights the critical need for comprehensive pre-market testing of new drugs, especially those intended for vulnerable populations like children.

If you or a loved one used Oxbryta (voxelotor) tablets and subsequently experienced severe complications—such as vaso-occlusive crises, organ damage, stroke, kidney failure, or other life-threatening injuries—you may be eligible to pursue legal action for compensation.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation and to get in touch with our Oxbryta Lawyers.

The recent recall of Oxbryta, a widely used medication for sickle cell disease, has left patients and healthcare providers in a state of uncertainty.

The recall followed reports of increased pain crises and an alarming disparity in death rates among clinical trial participants, leading the manufacturer to conclude that the risks associated with the drug outweighed its benefits.

As a result, healthcare providers are advising patients to gradually taper off the medication rather than stopping abruptly, in order to avoid potential withdrawal complications.

While this guidance is not based on clinical data, it is considered the safest course of action under the circumstances.

Many patients have voiced concerns over losing access to a treatment they relied on to manage their condition.

This recall underscores the ongoing challenges in treating sickle cell disease, which predominantly affects Black Americans.

With limited treatment options and existing therapies often presenting significant drawbacks, the removal of Oxbryta from the market highlights the urgent need for better research, transparency, and support to ensure that patients have access to safe and effective treatments.

If you or a loved one used Oxbryta (voxelotor) tablets and subsequently experienced severe complications—such as vaso-occlusive crises, organ damage, stroke, kidney failure, or other life-threatening injuries—you may be eligible to pursue legal action for compensation.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation and to get in touch with our Oxbryta Lawyers.