Oxbryta Lawsuits: Legal Options for Sickle Cell Patients Harmed by the Recalled Drug

On September 26, 2024, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Pfizer, Inc. had voluntarily recalled Oxbryta (voxelotor) due to safety concerns. Data from clinical trials indicated that Oxbryta increased the risk of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), stroke, organ damage, and even death—the very conditions it was meant to prevent in sickle cell patients.

Oxbryta: A Failed Promise for Sickle Cell Patients

Approved through the FDA’s expedited process in 2019, Oxbryta was hailed as a breakthrough treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD). In 2021, its approval expanded to children as young as four years old. However, ongoing studies revealed alarming safety concerns. Patients taking Oxbryta reported a higher frequency and severity of VOC events, leading to debilitating pain, hospitalization, and tragic fatalities.

Pfizer's decision to pull Oxbryta from the market confirms what many feared: this drug was defective and dangerous. According to Ellen Relkin, Drug and Medical Device Litigation Chair at W&L, "Pfizer knows this is a defective drug. They rushed it through the FDA approval process without adequate study. No medication—intended to help people—should cause more pain and suffering to those already suffering enough."

What is a Vaso-Occlusive Crisis?

A vaso-occlusive crisis occurs when sickled red blood cells clog blood vessels, cutting off oxygen supply to tissues and organs. This can lead to:

• Severe pain (often in the extremities, back, and chest)

• Swelling in hands and feet (especially in children)

• Stroke

• Organ failure

• In some cases, death

Are You Eligible to File an Oxbryta Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one took Oxbryta (voxelotor) and suffered from increased vaso-occlusive crises, stroke, organ damage, or death, you may be entitled to compensation. Legal claims are now being pursued against Pfizer for rushing Oxbryta to market without proper testing, endangering sickle cell patients. Filing an Oxbryta lawsuit could help you seek justice and compensation for the harm caused by this defective drug.

What You Can Do

• Contact us for a free consultation—you may have a claim.

• Preserve medical records related to your Oxbryta treatment and any adverse events.

• Act quickly—lawsuits have filing deadlines, so don’t wait.

  
  

We are here to help. If you or a loved one has suffered due to Oxbryta, contact us today to discuss your legal options.