Zofran Actions Consolidated in Multidistrict Litigation

According to nationwide reports, families are bringing countless lawsuits against the makers of the drug Zofran and related substances, alleging that the use of the anti-nausea drug resulted in children being born with severe birth defects. As a result of the high number of Zofran and related drug lawsuits being brought, they have been consolidated in a multidistrict litigation, or MDL, in the District Court of Massachusetts in Boston. The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has named the action MDL No. 2657, or In Re: Zofran (Ondansetron) Products Liability Litigation.

The prescription drugs Zofran, also known as ondansetron, and Zuplenz have been associated with severe and debilitating pregnancy complications and birth defects. Doctors initially prescribed the drugs to pregnant women to help curb the high levels of vomiting and nausea that pregnant women often experience. Studies have linked the drugs to birth defects, causing families who have suffered grave consequences as a result to bring lawsuits against the maker of the drug, GlaxoSmithKline, claiming that the company marketed the drug to the public without first obtaining appropriate U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approvals.

Initially, the FDA approved the use of Zofran to help cancer patients deal with the terrible nausea and vomiting that they commonly experience after treatment or surgery, one of the main side effects of chemotherapy. The maker of the drug was eager to use the drug for other applications, primarily morning sickness.

In 2006, the patent for Zofran expired, allowing doctors to prescribe generic versions of ondansetron, which were manufactured by Novartis and its subsidiary, Sandoz. Another company, made a similar but different drug named Zuplenz that was administered through dissolving in the mouth.

In 2012, GlaxoSmithKline entered a guilty plea in response to federal charges of illegal promotion of a number of drugs, including Zofran, and other fraud charges. As part of the case, the company paid nearly $3 billion in a legal settlement. In 2015, Galena Biopharma assumed the licensing rights for the drug Zuplenz and began offering it in the United States. Also, Novartis acquired the rights to market Zofran from GlaxoSmithKline.

GlaxoSmithKline is now going back to court to respond to a new round of more specific allegations about Zofran. As a result, Galena, Sandoz, and Novartis could face liability for their involvement in the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of the drugs.

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of the use of Zofran or a similar drug, you may be entitled to compensation. At Moll Law Group, our experienced and dedicated team of Zofran lawyers know how devastating and stressful suffering injuries from a prescription drug may be. This type of case is even more complicated because the injured baby will also have a claim against the manufacturer, stemming from the terrible and painful birth defects that result.

Representing victims throughout the nation, including in New York, California, and Florida, we know what it takes to bring a successful claim and to navigate the complex and confusing multidistrict litigation system. Call us now at 312-462-1700 or contact us online to set up your free consultation.

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