December 20, 2024
- Ozempic MDL Expanded to Include Saxenda, But Not Blood Clot Claims: The Ozempic MDL has been expanded to include lawsuits related to Saxenda, another GLP-1 receptor agonist manufactured by Novo Nordisk. However, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation rejected a request to add claims related to blood clot injuries, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, citing concerns about increased complexity and insufficient commonalities with the existing gastrointestinal injury claims.
December 3, 2024
- Ozempic MDL Case Count Continues Upward Trend: The Ozempic MDL saw a significant increase in November, with 79 new cases added. This brings the total number of pending cases to 1,300, marking a continued upward trend in litigation related to the popular diabetes and weight loss drug.
November 19, 2024
- New Master Complaint Filed: Plaintiffs' lawyers have filed a revised master complaint in the Ozempic MDL, refining the allegations against Novo Nordisk and other defendants. The updated complaint focuses on claims related to gastrointestinal injuries and other serious side effects allegedly caused by these drugs.
November 13, 2024
- New Lawsuit Filed: A Tennessee woman has filed a lawsuit in the GLP-1 receptor agonists MDL, alleging that Ozempic and Wegovy caused her to develop severe gastrointestinal problems, including gastroparesis. The plaintiff's lawsuit claims that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn about these risks and downplayed them in its marketing materials.
November 12, 2024
- Ozempic MDL Focuses on Alleged Downplaying of Gastroparesis Risks: As the number of lawsuits in the Ozempic MDL continues to rise, plaintiffs are increasingly focusing on the claim that Novo Nordisk intentionally downplayed the risks of gastroparesis in its marketing materials. Plaintiffs' lawyers argue that Novo Nordisk knew about the potential for Ozempic to cause gastroparesis, a condition that affects stomach emptying, but chose not to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers, fearing it could negatively impact sales. This strategy of minimizing gastroparesis risks is expected to be a central issue in the litigation, especially as many attorneys are now prioritizing cases involving this specific side effect.
November 8, 2024
- New Ozempic Warning Highlights Potential Surgical Risk: Federal regulators have added new warnings to the labels of popular GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, cautioning about the risk of pulmonary aspiration during elective surgeries. These medications slow stomach emptying, which can increase the risk of vomiting and aspiration while under anesthesia. This update emphasizes the evolving understanding of these drugs and the importance of staying informed about potential risks.
November 4, 2024
- Gastric Emptying Studies Gain Importance: As the Ozempic MDL progresses, gastric emptying studies are becoming increasingly important in substantiating claims of gastroparesis. These studies provide objective evidence of delayed gastric emptying, a key characteristic of the condition.
November 1, 2024
- MDL Growth Continues, But at a Slower Pace: The GLP-1 receptor agonists class action MDL continues to grow, but the pace has slowed in recent months. This may reflect a shift among attorneys towards accepting only strong, well-documented cases, particularly those with clear evidence of gastroparesis.
October 30, 2024
- New Scheduling Order Issued: The court has issued a new scheduling order outlining key deadlines for discovery, expert reports, and motions in the Ozempic MDL.
October 29, 2024
- FDA Cites Novo Nordisk Production Plant for Quality Control Issues: Novo Nordisk's main production facility for Ozempic and Wegovy in Denmark has been cited by the FDA for quality control problems. This citation, related to inadequate information on water used in production, raises concerns about the company's manufacturing practices and its ability to meet the growing demand for these popular medications. Earlier this year, Novo Nordisk's North Carolina plant also faced FDA citations for insufficient investigation into bacterial contamination.
October 25, 2024
- Gastric Emptying Studies Gain Importance in Ozempic Litigation: The MDL judge's focus on proving gastroparesis in Ozempic lawsuits has highlighted the importance of gastric emptying studies. These studies provide objective data on delayed gastric emptying, a key characteristic of gastroparesis. As such, they could serve as valuable evidence in validating plaintiffs' claims that Ozempic caused or worsened their gastroparesis.
October 22, 2024
- New Ozempic Lawsuit Alleges Failure to Warn of Gastroparesis Risk: A Louisiana resident has filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, claiming that the diabetes drug Ozempic caused him to develop gastroparesis, a condition that paralyzes the stomach. The lawsuit alleges that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn about this risk and misrepresented the drug's safety profile in its labeling and marketing materials.
October 4, 2024
- Ozempic MDL Continues Rapid Growth: The Ozempic class action MDL is expanding quickly. After adding over 300 new cases in August, another 101 cases were transferred into the MDL in September, bringing the total number of pending cases to 1,090. This continued influx of lawsuits suggests that the litigation is gaining momentum as more individuals allege adverse effects from the drug.
October 1, 2024
- Dispute Over Marketing Discovery in Ozempic Litigation: Defendants are opposing plaintiffs' request for limited marketing discovery, arguing it's unnecessary due to the court's bifurcation order. However, plaintiffs contend that marketing materials are integral to the "label" under FDA regulations and are crucial in determining the adequacy of warnings about risks like gastroparesis. They argue that excluding this evidence would hinder the court's ability to fully assess the adequacy and legal sufficiency of drug warnings.
September 24, 2024
- Study Suggests Ozempic May Reduce Opioid Overdose Risk: A new study in JAMA Network Open indicates that individuals with a history of opioid abuse who were prescribed Ozempic had a significantly lower likelihood of overdosing compared to those on other diabetes medications. This finding potentially highlights an unexpected benefit of Ozempic in a specific patient population.
September 23, 2024:
- New Study Finds Exercise May Be Key to Protecting Bones During Weight Loss: Researchers explored the impact of different weight-loss strategies on bone health. They found that combining exercise with a GLP-1 medication like liraglutide led to greater weight loss while keeping bones strong, especially in the hips and spine. In contrast, using liraglutide without exercise led to a decrease in bone density, even with weight loss.
September 12, 2024:
- Early Discovery and Motion Practice: The court has scheduled early discovery and motion practice related to preemption and the adequacy of warning labels. Plaintiffs have also filed a motion seeking permission to include marketing discovery at this early stage, arguing that it's crucial to the case as pharmaceutical companies often downplay risks in their marketing efforts.
September 11, 2024:
- Status Conference Rescheduled: The in-person status conference, originally scheduled for September 16, 2024, has been rescheduled to September 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. The conference is expected to focus on:
- Addressing a motion on how to proceed with discovery.
- Proposing schedules for discovery and briefing on key issues.
- Providing an update on motions to transfer filed with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation.
September 10, 2024:
- New Ozempic Lawsuit Filed in MDL: A Kentucky woman has filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk in the Ozempic MDL, alleging severe injuries, including gastroparesis, following her use of the drug. The lawsuit claims Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn about the potential risks of Ozempic, despite being aware of them, and engaged in aggressive marketing that downplayed these risks. The plaintiff seeks both compensatory and punitive damages.
September 3, 2024:
- Ozempic MDL Doubles in Size: The Ozempic MDL has experienced a dramatic increase in filed lawsuits, reaching 869 cases as of September 3rd. This represents a 151% increase from the 346 cases reported on August 1st, indicating a significant surge in claims related to GLP-1 RA drugs.
September 2, 2024:
- New Study Raises Concerns about Ozempic and Suicidal Thoughts: A new study published in the journal "Pharmacology Research & Perspectives" investigates the potential link between GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts. The findings reveal a particularly strong association in patients using semaglutide in combination with other medications like antidepressants and benzodiazepines, prompting discussions about the need for an Ozempic suicide warning. This study highlights the need for further research to fully understand the safety profile of these drugs and potential hidden risks.
August 30, 2024:
- Plaintiffs' Lawyers Urge Full Discovery in Ozempic MDL: Plaintiffs' attorneys push back against defendants' attempts to limit discovery, arguing that general causation cannot be determined without a comprehensive exploration of evidence. They emphasize the importance of the Bradford Hill criteria in establishing causal relationships and urge the judge to resist any premature streamlining or expediting of the discovery process.
August 29, 2024:
- Defendants Seek Swift Action on Cross-Cutting Issues: Following the court's order granting early discovery and motion practice on key issues, defendants express their eagerness to proceed, seeing a potential path to end the litigation early. They believe they have a strong case regarding the reliability of gastroparesis diagnosis and the adequacy of warning labels.
August 26, 2024:
- Court Grants Early Discovery and Motion Practice in Ozempic MDL: The court has approved early discovery and motion practice to address two key issues: the reliability of gastroparesis diagnosis and the adequacy of warning labels. The court will assess if gastroparesis necessitates objective testing and whether FDA-approved labels preempt state law claims. A ruling on general causation is deferred pending further information. A comprehensive schedule will be set after the upcoming status conference.
August 22, 2024:
- New Mounjaro/Trulicity Lawsuit Filed in Kentucky: A Kentucky woman has filed a lawsuit against Eli Lilly and Company, claiming that Mounjaro and Trulicity caused her to develop gastroparesis. The complaint alleges that Eli Lilly failed to adequately warn about the risk of this severe condition and other gastrointestinal side effects associated with these diabetes medications. The plaintiff asserts multiple causes of action, including inadequate warning, fraudulent concealment, and negligent misrepresentation. She contends that if she and her doctor had been properly informed, she would not have used the medications and suffered the alleged injuries.
August 19, 2024:
- Discovery Disputes in Ozempic MDL: The court appoints retired Judge Lawrence F. Stengel as Special Discovery Master to oversee the discovery process in the Ozempic lawsuits.
August 15, 2024:
- MDL Attorneys' Fees in Ozempic Class Action: Case Management Order No. 17 outlines the fee structure for the Ozempic class action MDL, allocating 9% of any gross monetary recovery to the GLP-1 Fee Fund and an additional 2% to the GLP-1 Expense Fund. These funds will compensate attorneys for their work benefiting all plaintiffs and cover litigation-related expenses, respectively.
August 11, 2024:
- New Ozempic Gastroparesis Lawsuit Filed: A New Hampshire resident with Type 2 diabetes files a lawsuit alleging that Ozempic caused gastroparesis, leading to severe and permanent injuries. The plaintiff claims Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn about the risks associated with the medication.
August 8, 2024:
- Science Day Scheduled for Ozempic MDL: Judge Karen Spencer Marston schedules a "Science Day" for September 4, 2024, during which both parties will present an objective overview of the relevant medical and scientific issues related to GLP-1 RAs, their medical uses, and alleged injuries.
August 6, 2024:
- Ozempic MDL Lawsuits Surge: The number of active lawsuits in the Ozempic class action MDL witnessed a dramatic increase between July and August 2024. The count rose from 111 active cases in July to 346 in August, marking a significant 200% increase within a month.
August 1, 2024:
- Status Conference Scheduled: A status conference is planned for August 8, 2024, to address key issues in the Ozempic litigation. The discussions will cover the progress of electronic Plaintiff Fact Sheets (e-PFS), the current phase of the discovery process, updates on stayed cases, and logistical arrangements for the upcoming Science Day.
July 14, 2024:
- Ozempic, Wegovy Lawsuit Science Day Rescheduled: A "Science Day" hearing, intended to educate the court on complex issues in the litigation, is rescheduled for September 4. This non-adversarial proceeding will allow expert witnesses to present information on Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro lawsuits, potentially influencing future court rulings and the selection of bellwether trials.
July 11, 2024:
- Ozempic Case Filed in Illinois: An Illinois man sues Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, alleging inadequate warnings about the risks of Ozempic and Mounjaro. The plaintiff claims he developed ischemia and bowel obstruction after using the medications for diabetes management. The lawsuit, initially filed in Illinois, is expected to be transferred to the Pennsylvania MDL.
July 9, 2024:
- Direct Filing Approved for Ozempic, Wegovy Lawsuits: Judge Marston authorizes direct filing of new Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro lawsuits in her court to streamline the process and avoid delays. A separate order mandates the use of Plaintiff Fact Sheets to collect detailed information for constructing Master and Short Form Complaints.
July 8, 2024:
- Status Conference Scheduled: A status conference is scheduled for July 10th to address various issues, including cross-cutting motion letter briefs, outstanding disputes in the ESI protocol and 502(d) order, discovery special master candidates, and the status of discovery. A key point of contention is the scope of discovery, with defendants seeking to focus solely on causation of specific medical conditions, while plaintiffs also want to prepare for trial.
July 3, 2024:
- Novo Nordisk Fails To Warn About Risk of Gastroparesis from Wegovy, Lawsuit Alleges: A new product liability lawsuit claims that Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy and Ozempic, failed to adequately warn users and the medical community about the risk of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis). The complaint alleges that the warning label minimizes the complications and long-term consequences of this condition.
July 3, 2024:
- Can Ozempic Cause Blindness?: A new study suggests a potential link between the diabetes and weight-loss drug semaglutide (including Ozempic) and an increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a type of eye stroke. The study found significantly higher NAION incidence rates in patients using semaglutide compared to those on other medications, highlighting a potential risk for doctors and patients to consider.
July 1, 2024:
- Ozempic Lawsuit Count Rises: Four new lawsuits were filed in June, bringing the total number of Ozempic lawsuits to 105. An additional lawsuit was filed on July 1, increasing the total to 106. This case involves an Indiana woman who claims Ozempic caused severe gastrointestinal problems and bowel obstruction.
June 23, 2024:
- Kansas Resident Sues Ozempic Manufacturer: A Kansas resident files a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, alleging that Ozempic caused gastroparesis and other severe health complications, leading to persistent vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, bloating, abdominal pain, and emotional distress.
June 6, 2024:
- New Judge Appointed to Ozempic MDL: U.S. District Judge Karen Marston in Philadelphia, a former federal prosecutor, has been selected by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to oversee the Ozempic multidistrict litigation (MDL). She replaces Judge Gene E.K. Pratter, who passed away unexpectedly in May. Plaintiffs' lawyers anticipate over 10,000 personal injury lawsuits in this MDL. Marston is expected to move the litigation forward swiftly, with a status conference already scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2024.
May 22, 2024:
- Ozempic MDL on Hold: The sudden passing of Judge Pratter, recently appointed to oversee the Ozempic MDL, has caused a delay. The Ozempic Science Day originally planned for June 14th will be rescheduled once a new judge is assigned.
May 14, 2024:
- Science Day to Explore GI Issues: Judge Pratter had planned an Ozempic Science Day for June 14th. This event aimed to shed light on the scientific basis of claims linking Ozempic to gastrointestinal problems like gastroparesis and intestinal blockages.
May 6, 2024:
- Leadership Appointed for GLP-1 MDL: Judge Pratter appointed eight lawyers to key positions in the consolidated pretrial proceedings for the GLP-1 RA Products Liability Litigation (MDL 3094). This MDL is expected to encompass a growing number of lawsuits concerning side effects linked to GLP-1 agonist drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
May 1, 2024:
- Lawsuit Alleges Pancreatitis Risk: A new lawsuit filed by plaintiff Shawn Derrick alleges that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn about the potential for Ozempic to cause necrotizing pancreatitis, a serious condition involving pancreatic tissue death.
April 23, 2024:
- Label Warnings Under Scrutiny: Lawyers for both plaintiffs and defendants submitted arguments regarding the adequacy of label warnings for drugs like Ozempic, specifically concerning gastroparesis risks. Plaintiffs argue the warnings are insufficient, while defendants believe they are adequate and have requested claim dismissal or specific diagnostic requirements for plaintiffs.
April 8, 2024:
- Status Conference to Address Growing MDL: A status conference is scheduled for April 18th to address the increasing number of claims within the Ozempic MDL.
Earlier Updates (March - February):
- March 11, 2024: Judge Pratter issued the initial case management order, scheduling an organizational conference for March 14, 2024. This conference focused on establishing procedures for the Ozempic MDL 3094, including lead counsel selection, scheduling, and motion filing processes.
- February 20, 2024: A study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology raised concerns about potential psychiatric side effects, including nervousness, stress, eating disorders, and insomnia, linked to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
- February 2, 2024: A transfer order issued by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated all GLP-1 stomach paralysis lawsuits nationwide. This centralized all Ozempic lawsuits, Wegovy lawsuits, and other GLP-1 stomach paralysis lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. U.S. District Judge Gene E.K. Pratter was assigned to preside over the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Products Liability Litigation (MDL 3094).
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Do Ozempic side effects outweigh the benefits amid health concerns and legal claims?
Ozempic, along with its counterparts Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Mounjaro, have been in the limelight for their dual role in managing diabetes and aiding weight loss. But there's a twist in the tale. It seems that with the perks, there may be pitfalls—reports of severe digestive issues are coming to light, prompting a serious re-evaluation from those prescribing and relying on these treatments.
Semaglutide's journey: From hero to watch list
Not so long ago, semaglutide was all the rage for keeping blood sugar levels at bay, and then it started getting accolades for weight loss, thanks to Wegovy's FDA approval. But now, the tide seems to be turning. The FDA's list of adverse events linked to semaglutide is growing, and it's got us all paying closer attention to the fine print.
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Gastroparesis: An uninvited chronic companion
For anyone on a GLP-1 medication, gastroparesis is turning out to be more common than we'd hoped. Picture your digestive system hitting the brakes—hard. That's gastroparesis for you, with its suite of unwelcome symptoms like chronic nausea and a quick-to-fill stomach. It's a condition that demands lifelong management, often reshaping one's daily life around the challenges it brings.
The full spectrum of Ozempic side effects
In addition to gastroparesis, the medical community is also paying close attention to a range of serious side effects associated with GLP-1 medications, including:
- Pancreatitis: A painful inflammation of the pancreas that can disrupt your life.
- Bowel Obstruction: A severe condition where digestive passage is blocked, potentially requiring surgical intervention.
- Gallbladder Disease: Research has shed light on a heightened risk of gallbladder issues.
The class action compass: Legal developments in the US and Canada
In British Columbia, a proposed class action lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, hoping to unite individuals who've faced significant side effects from semaglutide. This could be just the beginning of a larger legal reckoning for the manufacturers, as they're called to account for how they've communicated the risks of these medications.
Stateside, the legal process is streamlining as 55 Ozempic side effects lawsuits are being gathered into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). This consolidation is a critical step in addressing the numerous claims suggesting that patients weren't fully informed about the potential side effects of these diabetes and weight loss drugs.
Your health, your legal rights
As we advance through the year, keeping a finger on the pulse of the Ozempic lawsuits becomes increasingly important. If you've experienced adverse effects, it's vital to stay informed about the legal proceedings. Armed with knowledge, you can make empowered decisions about your health and explore your legal rights.
Should you or a loved one experience severe gastrointestinal symptoms or another illness you believe to be associated with Ozempic or other GLP-1 medication use, seeking a case review could clarify your options and potentially lead to rightful compensation.
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Mass torts vs. class actions at a glance
When we're talking about mass tort and class action lawsuits, we're discussing two distinct legal approaches used to handle claims where many individuals are harmed by the same entity or event.
Mass tort lawsuits are a way to handle legal cases where many individuals have been harmed, but each person's situation is distinct. Think of it like a neighborhood where every house has different damage after a storm. In a mass tort, each homeowner would file their own lawsuit, but because the storm is the common factor, the court groups the lawsuits together to manage them more efficiently. The key here is that each person retains their own case and has a say in how it's settled, which reflects their unique damages.
In contrast, class action lawsuits and class action settlements bring people together under a single legal action. It's as if the whole neighborhood decided to sue the storm together, with one or a few neighbors representing everyone's interests. Here, individual control is limited. The representative, known as the lead plaintiff, along with their legal team, makes decisions that affect the entire group. When it comes to the payout, it's typically split evenly, or based on a formula that applies to all members.
What's best for you?
Let's quickly sum up the main points to help you decide which legal route could work better for your situation:
- Control: More personal control in mass torts; limited control in class actions.
- Compensation: Individualized in mass torts; uniform in class actions.
- Applicability: Mass torts fit for varied individual damages; class actions for uniform damages across the group.
- Efficiency: Class actions can be quicker and use fewer resources by combining claims.
So, if you're part of a group that's been wronged and you're thinking about legal action, consider these points. Do you need to maintain control over your case, or are you okay with a representative taking the lead? Do your damages require individual attention, or are they similar enough to others to share in a collective claim? Your answers will help determine whether a mass tort or a class action is the best route for your situation.
