Zantac on Trial: First Cancer Lawsuit Heads to Jury

In a landmark case for thousands of Zantac users, the first lawsuit alleging the heartburn drug caused cancer is being heard by a jury in Chicago. Angela Valadez, who relied on Zantac for nearly two decades, is suing GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Boehringer Ingelheim, claiming the medication caused her colon cancer.

This Chicago trial marks a turning point in the Zantac story. Once a widely trusted remedy, Zantac's reputation took a hit in 2019 when the FDA discovered the drug, along with similar medications, could contain NDMA, a probable carcinogen. Lawsuits quickly followed.

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Valadez accuses drugmakers of hiding NDMA risk

Valadez's case is the first to reach a jury. Her lawyers allege that Zantac's main ingredient, ranitidine, degraded into a probable carcinogen, NDMA, especially with improper storage. 

They further claim that drug giants GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Boehringer Ingelheim knew about this potential danger but prioritized profits by failing to warn consumers and ensure proper handling throughout the supply chain.

This accusation centers on the breakdown of ranitidine. According to Mikal Watts, representing Valadez, the companies were aware that ranitidine would degrade into NDMA over time or with exposure to extreme temperatures.  

Watts alleges a deliberate cover-up, claiming the companies knew discolored pills wouldn't be accepted by consumers, so they disguised the degradation. 

"They know we're not going to take a product that looks bad, so they put a paint job on it," Watts stated to the jury.

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Drugmakers deny Zantac caused cancer

Denying the claims, GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim argue there's no definitive scientific link between Zantac and cancer. They point to the absence of any evidence directly connecting Ms. Valadez's cancer to the drug.  

"No genetic test, lab report, imaging study… nothing whatsoever," stated GSK attorney Tarek Ismail to the jury. 

This lack of a clear connection highlights the broader legal battle unfolding. Thousands of similar lawsuits are on hold, with many focused on Delaware state courts. There, a judge is currently evaluating the scientific basis for the claims, a decision that could be decisive for these cases.

Zantac litigation: A waiting game with high stakes

While a judge in Delaware weighs similar arguments from drugmakers seeking to exclude plaintiffs' expert testimony in the over 70,000 pending Zantac cases there, Sanofi, another Zantac seller, took a different approach. They settled roughly 4,000 lawsuits for over $100 million. This move is seen by some as a potential admission of guilt, while others view it as a way to avoid a costly legal battle.

The outcome of the Valadez case and the judge's decision in Delaware will significantly impact the future of Zantac litigation. A win for Valadez could embolden other plaintiffs and lead to a wave of settlements or verdicts against the drug companies. On the other hand, a victory for GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim could see these lawsuits crumble.

While a new Zantac formulation, free of ranitidine, is now available, for those who used the original version, the question of safety and potential consequences lingers, a shadow over a drug that was once a symbol of relief. The Zantac legal battle continues, with the courtroom holding the key to answers for thousands.

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