Oxbryta Lawsuit: Claims for Sickle Cell Disease Medication Side Effects
If you’ve taken Oxbryta and experienced worsening sickle cell disease symptoms or other complications, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. The Lanier Law Firm has extensive experience in pharmaceutical liability and a track record of significant wins in similar cases. Contact us today to evaluate your legal options.
Legally Reviewed By: Catherine Heacox
Senior Attorney
- Page Last Updated:
- September 30, 2025
Oxbryta Lawsuit Timeline and Recent Updates
July 3, 2025: A joint statement was submitted by plaintiff Tirrell Allen and Defendants Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. relating the status of any related cases in federal and state court. The statement mentions parties’ awareness of eight related cases and their actively meeting and conferring regarding the selection of a mediator and setting a mediation schedule.
June 18, 2025: Plaintiffs Tirrell Allen and LaToya Allen filed a joint case management statement with Defendants Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. (Case No. 3:24-cv-07786-TLT )
The filing outlines key details of the case, including the jurisdiction, legal issues, motions, and discovery plans. It also includes a statement on the current status of related cases and relief sought by the plaintiffs.
The Court has scheduled a hearing for July 8, 2025, regarding a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. Additionally, a jury trial is set for June 7, 2027, with a trial duration of 12 to 15 days.
May 16, 2025: The United States District Court for the Northern District of California issued an order granting the motion to relate three lawsuits involving Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. so that they will be handled by the same judge from now on. These cases are:
- Frazier v. Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc.
- Jolly, et al. v. Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc.
- Allen, et al. v. Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc.
The Case Management Conference is set for July 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM in San Francisco (via videoconference). A joint case management statement is due by July 3, 2025. All deadlines set by the ADR Local Rules will remain in effect unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
January 20, 2025: In the wake of the Oxbryta recall, legal actions have seen a noticeable increase. Since October, at least four Oxbryta lawsuits have been initiated in California. These include cases filed in superior courts in San Mateo and San Francisco counties and one case brought before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
January 6, 2025: The plaintiff, Marcia Smith, as Administrator for the Estate of Marissa Harris, filed an amended complaint for damages in the Superior Court of California for the County of San Francisco (Case No. CGC-24-621022) against Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. (GBT). The lawsuit alleges that Oxbryta® caused severe side effects leading to the death of Marissa Harris.
The lawsuit outlines a range of claims, including strict liability for design defect, failure to warn, negligence, fraud, breach of express and implied warranties, violation of California Civil Code and Business & Professions Code, as well as a wrongful death action.
December 23, 2024: The plaintiffs, Ricky Jolly, Amanda Winbush, Darryl Weekly, and Antonio Johnson, filed a complaint for damages in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. 3:24-cv-09345). The complaint centers on claims that the defendants misrepresented the safety of Oxbryta and failed to disclose significant risks associated with its use, including vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), infections, stroke, and even death.
The plaintiffs argue that the defendants’ failure to adequately warn consumers and healthcare professionals about these risks constitutes fraud and violations of several state and federal laws. They are seeking damages for breach of express and implied warranties, common law fraud, and various state-specific consumer protection violations.
November 7, 2024: Illinois resident Tirrell Allen sued Pfizer and Global Blood Therapeutics in California federal court over serious injuries he suffered after taking Oxbryta.
According to the complaint, Allen, 43, started taking Oxbryta in August 2024 to treat his sickle cell disease. Allen began experiencing “debilitating” symptoms, including more frequent vaso-occlusive crises, before suffering a stroke in September.
Allen was still hospitalized when the complaint was filed. He asserts that Pfizer is strictly liable for Oxbryta’s defective design and failing to warn patients of its risks. The complaint also claims negligence, breach of warranty, false advertising, and other counts.
October 23, 2024: Trebor Hardiman, a resident of Illinois, filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California for the County of San Francisco (Case No. CGC-24-619197) against Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. (GBT). Hardiman claims Oxbryta caused him more frequent VOCs and debilitating symptoms, eventually suffering a stroke in the fall of 2024, which caused permanent vision loss and left him unable to perform daily activities, including driving.
Hardiman seeks damages for design defects, failure to warn, negligence, and breach of warranties. The lawsuit claims the defendant’s reckless conduct warrants an award of punitive damages.
September 26, 2024: The FDA announced that Pfizer initiated a voluntary recall of Oxbryta after studies linked the drug to a higher rate of dangerous side effects and deaths than previously expected. According to the FDA’s notice, the new findings led Pfizer to conclude that “the benefit of Oxbryta does not outweigh the risks” of using the drug to treat sickle cell disease.
August 8, 2022: Pfizer announced an agreement to purchase Oxbryta developer Global Blood Therapeutics Inc. for roughly $5.4 billion, citing its progress in creating treatments for sickle cell disease.
December 17, 2021: The FDA expands its accelerated approval of Oxbryta to include patients aged four to 11.
November 25, 2019: The FDA granted accelerated approval to Oxbryta for patients 12 and older based on its novel potential to treat the root causes of sickle cell disease. An initial trial showed a significant increase in hemoglobin levels among participants’ red blood cells compared to a placebo, suggesting Oxbryta could be a beneficial treatment.
What Is Oxbryta?
Oxbryta is the brand name for Voxelotor, a drug developed by Global Blood Therapeutics (later acquired by Pfizer) to treat sickle cell disease, a hereditary blood disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. The FDA granted Oxbryta accelerated approval in 2019 based on promising trial results that showed potential benefits for patients with sickle cell disease.
What Made the Oxbryta Trial Results So Promising?
The FDA cited its ability to potentially curb the deformation of red blood cells into the “sickle” shape that gives the disease its name. Sickle cells carry oxygen less efficiently through the bloodstream and can obstruct blood flow, leading to painful inflammation called a vaso-occlusive crisis, or VOC.
An early trial showed sizable improvement in hemoglobin levels in participants who took Oxbryta compared to a placebo, suggesting the drug could effectively improve the efficiency of red blood cells.
What Are the Side Effects of Oxbryta?
Initially reported side effects listed for Oxbryta included:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Drug hypersensitivity
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
- Fever
Why Was Oxbryta Recalled?
Oxbryta was recalled because later studies linked this drug to higher vaso-occlusive crisis rates, raising the chances of severe pain and inflammation symptoms the drug was intended to counteract. There was also a higher rate of death compared to placebo groups, suggesting a link between Oxbryta and fatal side effects.
After clinical data from postmarketing studies showed that Oxbryta might worsen the sickle cell disease outcomes it was specifically developed to treat, Pfizer voluntarily withdrew the drug from the market in September. It also discontinued its ongoing clinical trials, finding its continued use would create more risk than benefit for patients. Meanwhile, the FDA urges doctors to stop prescribing the drug and patients to stop using it and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended suspending Oxbryta’s marketing authorization due to ongoing safety concerns.
In light of the recall, harmful side effects from taking Oxbryta have already prompted at least one lawsuit against Pfizer and Global Blood Therapeutics.
What Allegations Are Made Against Pfizer After the Oxbryta Recall?
The plaintiffs argue that the manufacturers knew about the heightened risk of VOCs and other serious health issues but chose to keep marketing the drug without revealing these potential risks.
Many plaintiffs demand damages related to Pfizer’ conduct in connection with the development, design, testing, manufacturing, labeling, packaging, promoting, advertising, marketing, distribution, and selling of Oxbryta.
Are You Eligible for an Oxbryta Lawsuit?
You might be eligible to file an Oxbryta lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- Had been taking Oxbryta for at least 6 months
- Experienced organ failure, stroke, a vaso-occlusive crisis requiring hospitalization, after taking Oxbryta for at least 6 months
- Were previously healthy before taking Oxbryta
If your loved one has passed away from Oxbryta injuries and you have been appointed as a legal representative of their estate, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit on their behalf.
If you believe you might have a case, schedule a free consultation with our pharmaceutical liability attorneys today.
What Evidence Is Required for an Oxbryta Case?
The evidence needed to build a strong Oxbryta case includes medical history and evidence of financial losses, among others.
Medical History Evidence Needed
- Records showing the start of Oxbryta treatment and subsequent health complications
- Records going back a year before taking Oxbryta to establish your good health before taking the drug
- Copies of tests and emergency treatment linked to Oxbryta use, including blood tests, imaging scans, and doctor’s notes, among others
Evidence of Financial Losses Needed
The evidence needed to illustrate the financial impact of Oxbryta’s adverse effects includes medical bills and lost income.
Why Choose The Lanier Law Firm for Your Oxbryta Lawsuit?
“We are ready to hold companies accountable for drugs that hold danger but little to no use. It’s unfair to a population already suffering.”
– Mark Lanier, founder of The Lanier Law Firm and one of the top civil trial lawyers in America.
Our pharmaceutical liability team has a proven track record in holding pharmaceutical giants accountable for defective drugs. With years of experience and billions of dollars won in settlements and verdicts, we are committed to securing justice for those harmed by Oxbryta.
We are here to help you navigate the legal process and seek compensation for your suffering. Contact us today at 800-723-3216 to schedule a free consultation.
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