Lawsuits claim that Oxbryta (voxelotor)—a sickle cell treatment originally developed by Global Blood Therapeutics and later acquired by Pfizer—led to wrongful deaths and severe medical complications, including heightened rates of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) and strokes. This overview breaks down who may qualify, the injuries being reported, the latest updates in the litigation, and what to expect as upcoming trials move forward.

Start your free case review

Who May Be Eligible for an Oxbryta Lawsuit

You may qualify if:

• You or a loved one took Oxbryta (voxelotor) for sickle cell disease
• Serious complications occurred afterward, such as vaso-occlusive crises, strokes, or fatal outcomes
• Medical documentation supports the diagnosis and treatment history
• Your claim is still within your state’s statute of limitations

Check eligibility now

Oxbryta-Related Injuries and Potential Risks

• Increased vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs)
• Stroke or other severe neurological events
• Aggravation of existing sickle cell–related complications
• Fatal outcomes linked to treatment
• Financial, emotional, and personal losses experienced by affected families

Oxbryta Settlement Estimates & Key Influencing Factors

There are currently no finalized settlements in the Oxbryta litigation. However, based on outcomes in similar defective drug cases, potential compensation amounts may depend on several factors, including:

• Severity of the injuries: cases involving wrongful death typically result in higher awards
• Patient’s age: younger individuals often receive larger compensation due to long-term impact
• Medical expenses and lost income tied to the complications
• Evidence showing Pfizer or GBT knew about potential dangers
• Court location and past jury verdict patterns

Disclaimer: These settlement estimates are for informational purposes only and are not guaranteed. Actual compensation will vary based on the unique circumstances of each case.

Deadlines for Filing an Oxbryta Lawsuit

Each state has its own statute of limitations, typically 2–3 years from the date of injury or death. In some cases, the timeline may be extended if the harm was discovered later. It’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.

Oxbryta Lawsuit Updates™

Last updated: December 2025

• September 7, 2025: The litigation remains relatively small, allowing for more streamlined discovery and increasing the chances of earlier resolutions.
• August 18, 2025: Settlement discussions are moving forward. Judge Trina L. Thompson appointed retired Judge Philip S. Gutierrez to lead mediation beginning September 9.
• August 15, 2025: Pfizer’s inclacumab clinical trial fails, heightening scrutiny of its $5.4 billion acquisition of Global Blood Therapeutics and adding pressure after Oxbryta’s 2024 market withdrawal.
• July 23, 2025: A new wrongful death case claims Oxbryta triggered fatal VOCs and that warnings were inadequate.
• July 13, 2025: A North Carolina family files suit in New York Supreme Court alleging severe injuries linked to Oxbryta use.
• July 1, 2025: Discussions continue regarding potential MDL formation; the number of filings may determine when consolidation happens.
• June 6, 2025: A Tennessee widow sues Pfizer and GBT, alleging her husband died after experiencing VOCs and a stroke while on Oxbryta.
• May 9, 2025: The first scheduled Oxbryta trial is set for August 16, 2027.
• April 16, 2025: A California widow files a wrongful death lawsuit against Pfizer and several hospitals, citing Oxbryta as a contributing factor.
• March 1, 2025: A federal judge sets the initial Oxbryta trial date for June 7, 2027.
• February 4, 2025: A study published in Blood faces criticism for high dropout rates, fueling ongoing safety and efficacy concerns.
• December 3, 2024: Pfizer announces a global withdrawal of Oxbryta due to unresolved safety and effectiveness issues.
• November 19, 2024: The EMA formally recommends stopping Oxbryta sales in Europe over significant safety risks.
• November 9, 2024: A California lawsuit is filed claiming Oxbryta caused VOCs, stroke, and other serious complications.

We refresh this section every month with new MDL developments, significant case filings, and important court rulings.

Get a free case review

How the Oxbryta Lawsuit Process Works

• Case evaluation: A lawyer reviews your Oxbryta history, medical records, and reported injuries.
• Filing the claim: Your lawsuit is submitted in either state or federal court, depending on where it best fits.
• Discovery phase: Both sides exchange evidence, including medical documentation and internal company records.
• Preparing for trial: Early bellwether trials are currently planned for 2027 and help shape future outcomes.
• Settlement or verdict: Compensation may result from negotiated settlements or from jury decisions at trial.

Sources & Safety Information

• Blood Journal: Research studies and clinical data on Oxbryta
• FDA: Safety alerts, recalls, and regulatory updates in the U.S.
• EMA: European regulatory guidance and market decisions