A Delaware judge has rejected a critical appeal from drug manufacturers, allowing over 70,000 lawsuits against Zantac to proceed. These lawsuits allege the heartburn medication Zantac caused cancer in millions of users.
Zantac Users Sue Over Cancer Risk
The lawsuits center around Zantac’s active ingredient, ranitidine, and its potential link to various cancers. Plaintiffs claim drugmakers, including GSK, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, and Sanofi, knew about these risks but concealed them to keep Zantac on the market.
Lawsuits Consolidated in Delaware
Many of the individual lawsuits have been consolidated into a multi-district litigation (MDL) in Delaware Superior Court for efficiency. The recent court decision allows these cases to move forward, potentially leading to trials and settlements for affected individuals.
Expert Testimony Allowed: Boost for Plaintiffs’ Cases
In a major victory for plaintiffs, the judge also permitted expert testimony regarding the link between Zantac and cancer. This expert testimony is crucial for establishing a scientific basis for the plaintiffs’ claims.
Drugmakers’ Appeal Denied
The drug companies had appealed the judge’s decision on expert testimony, arguing that the science doesn’t support a cancer link to Zantac. They also cited a 2022 federal court ruling in Florida that excluded similar expert testimony in a Zantac MDL. However, the Delaware judge denied their appeal, paving the way for these lawsuits to continue.
Zantac’s Rise and Fall
Zantac’s history paints a concerning picture. Introduced in the early 1980s, it became a blockbuster drug for heartburn and ulcers. Widely available over-the-counter by the late 1980s, Zantac’s popularity soared.
Zantac Linked to Cancer-Causing Agent
However, research over the past few decades has raised red flags. Concerns surfaced about the formation of NDMA, a known carcinogen, during the production of ranitidine, Zantac’s active ingredient. Studies have linked NDMA exposure to various cancers, including:
- Breast cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Liver cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Infant testicular cancer (in utero exposure)
These concerns led to Zantac’s voluntary recall in 2019 and its complete removal from the market by the FDA in 2020.
Lawsuits Allege Deceit by Drugmakers
Following the Zantac recall, a wave of lawsuits emerged from individuals who developed cancer after using the drug. These lawsuits allege that drug manufacturers knew about the potential cancer risks but failed to warn consumers, prioritizing profits over patient safety.
Looking Ahead: Trials and Potential Settlements
With the recent court decision, Zantac litigation is set to progress. If a higher court upholds the judge’s rulings, these cases could go to trial.
Some settlements have already occurred, including GSK settling a Zantac lawsuit in Illinois and Pfizer agreeing to a multi-million dollar settlement for over 10,000 claims. The Delaware court’s decision could pave the way for further settlements or trials.
Zantac Lawsuits: Potential Compensation for Affected Individuals
If you or someone you know developed cancer after taking Zantac, you may be eligible for compensation. Consulting a legal professional experienced in mass tort litigation can provide guidance on pursuing a claim.