Oxbryta was marketed as a revolutionary drug to help people suffering from sickle cell disease manage their most painful symptoms. Oxbryta was manufactured by Global Blood Therapeutics (which was later bought by Pfizer) and approved by the FDA in 2019 for children and adults 12 years old and older. It was approved for children four years old and up in 2021. Alarming results from post-launch trials showed that Oxbryta may increase the symptoms of sickle cell disease instead of decreasing them. Pfizer made a voluntary recall of the drug in September 2024. Since then, more news has come out about the devastating effects of taking Oxbryta. Learn more about Oxbryta lawsuits and whether you or a loved one may qualify for compensation below.
Injured from taking Oxbryta or another prescription drug? Call the Michael Brady Lynch Firm at 888-585-5970 for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Oxbryta Side Effects
Oxbryta treats sickle cell disease by targeting malfunctioning hemoglobin in red blood cells to stop them from sickling. It also claimed to reduce the occurrence of severe pain episodes called vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). VOCs occur when sickled red blood cells stick together and block blood flow to crucial organs. VOCs are serious medical emergencies and often involve hospitalization and increase a patient’s risk of stroke, organ damage, anemia, and death.
Several clinical trials shortly after the FDA approved the drug showed that Oxbryta increased mortality rates, VOC episodes, and strokes.
Oxbryta Recall
These studies questioned whether Oxbryta was released too quickly and whether its drug manufacturer knew or should have known the risks of Oxbryta but failed to warn the public. These doubts prompted Pfizer to voluntarily recall the drug in September 2024. Pfizer also ordered to halt any ongoing or upcoming clinical trials.
Overview of Oxbryta Lawsuits
Since the recall, patients have come forward and filed lawsuits against Oxbryta manufacturers GBT and Pfizer. These lawsuits claim that Oxbryta manufacturers failed to warn the public about the dangers of taking the drug despite knowing the risks. The claims also assert that the drug’s accelerated approval process wasn’t safe and the drug was misrepresented in its marketing efforts.
Victims are coming forward in this new litigation; we expect that number to grow in the coming months. One such lawsuit was filed by the mother of 39-year-old Marissa Harris, who died in 2021 after taking Oxbryta. While the cases haven’t been filed into multidistrict litigation yet, it’s possible cases will be consolidated into an MDL as more lawsuits are filed. The first trial date is set for 2027.
Oxbryta Lawsuit Eligibility
You or your loved one may be entitled to compensation if you were prescribed Oxbryta to treat sickle cell disease and then had any of the following medical conditions:
- Increased VOC episodes
- Stroke
- Organ failure
- Death
Michael Brady Lynch Firm: Now Accepting Oxbryta Cases
This product liability lawsuit is in the early stages. However, you must file a claim within your state’s statute of limitations to be eligible (within two years of the injury in Florida). It’s vital to file your claim as quickly as possible after discovering your injury. Contact our team at the Michael Brady Lynch Firm at 888-585-5970 for a free consultation to see if you qualify to file a claim for your injury due to Oxbryta.