On September 25, 2024, Pfizer pulled Oxbryta (voxelotor) from the market due to alarming trial results. The data showed patients faced a higher risk of serious complications like blocked blood flow (vaso-occlusive crises) and stroke-related deaths. At Ethen Ostroff Law, we’re currently investigating cases involving individuals who have suffered injuries or loss after taking Oxbryta. If you or a loved one has been affected, we’re here to listen and help you explore the Oxbryta lawsuit and your legal options.
Sickle cell disease (sickle cell anemia) is a genetic condition that impacts how your body produces hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Because of a gene mutation, the body produces hemoglobin S, which causes red blood cells to become stiff and take on a crescent or “sickle” shape. This change can block blood flow and lead to various health problems.
For many living with sickle cell disease, sudden pain crises can strike unexpectedly, often affecting the chest, belly, or joints. Another major issue is anemia, which happens when there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells. This can leave people feeling exhausted and short of breath.
Sickle cell disease can also damage the spleen, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Over time, the reduced blood flow can damage vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
When Oxbryta came onto the scene, it raised hopes as a treatment aimed at addressing the root cause of sickle cell disease.
Oxbryta, or voxelotor, is a medication developed by Pfizer that has brought new hope for those with sickle cell disease. It’s taken as a daily oral medication, making it easy to incorporate into one’s routine. When Oxbryta hit the market, it was a game changer. Instead of just helping manage symptoms, it was designed to tackle the root cause of the disease. It improves hemoglobin levels and reduces the sickling of red blood cells. This means Oxbryta helps lower the risk of painful crises and other serious complications. For many patients, taking Oxbryta felt like a breath of fresh air—a chance to experience fewer interruptions from pain and fatigue.
Oxbryta, commonly known as voxelotor, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on November 25, 2019. Developed by Pfizer and taken daily, it helps prevent the sickling of red blood cells, allowing more healthy cells to deliver oxygen throughout the body.
The FDA fast-tracked Oxbryta’s approval through its “accelerated approval” program to address the pressing need for effective treatments. This decision followed a clinical trial involving around 274 participants aged 12 to 64, where those taking Oxbryta experienced better hemoglobin levels and fewer sickle cell symptoms.
In 2021, Oxbryta expanded its reach to children aged four to 11, thanks to positive results from a trial with 45 young participants. The European Union also approved Oxbryta on February 14, 2022, further increasing access to this important treatment.
Lately, there have been some serious concerns about Oxbryta, the medication from Pfizer that’s been helping people with sickle cell disease. A recent press release from Pfizer reveals that new data suggests the risks of taking Oxbryta might now outweigh the benefits for patients.
The company noted that there’s been an unsettling rise in vaso-occlusive crises and even some fatalities among those using the medication. Vaso-occlusive crises are among the most painful and common issues for people with sickle cell disease. They occur when sickled red blood cells block blood flow, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching certain parts of the body. This can lead to severe pain and even organ damage, not to mention additional health problems like arthritis, kidney failure, and strokes.
In July 2024, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), similar to the FDA in the U.S., decided to take a closer look at Oxbryta after two recent studies raised red flags. The first study included 236 children aged 2 to 15 with sickle cell disease who were at a higher risk of strokes. Shockingly, the trial showed that eight of these children taking Oxbryta died, compared to just two in the placebo group.
The second study examined 88 patients aged 12 and up who had leg ulcers, another complication of sickle cell disease. Unfortunately, this trial also reported eight deaths.
As the EMA began its investigation, it wasn’t clear if Oxbryta was to blame for these deaths. However, the committee responsible for evaluating medications in Europe later recommended suspending the drug’s marketing authorization as a precaution while they looked deeper into the issues. They found that patients had a higher incidence of vaso-occlusive crises while on Oxbryta than before they started taking it.
On September 26, 2024, the FDA alerted patients and healthcare providers about the voluntary withdrawal of Oxbryta. The administration told healthcare professionals to stop prescribing the medication and suggested patients and caregivers contact their doctors about stopping Oxbryta and starting another treatment option.
The FDA stated: “FDA has been conducting a safety review of the postmarketing clinical trial data for Oxbryta, the real-world registry studies, as well as postmarketing data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). At the conclusion of this safety review, FDA will communicate any additional findings, if necessary.”
In December 2023, the FDA approved two new gene therapy treatments for SCD, one by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics, and the other by Lyfgenia. Both are approved for patients aged 12 and older.
On September 26, 2024, the FDA issued a recall notice for Oxbryta, recommending healthcare practitioners to stop prescribing the medicine. This decision was made after analyzing safety data from clinical trials and real-world research. As soon as fresh information comes in, the agency will notify everyone.
On a positive note, the FDA recently approved two new gene treatments for sickle cell disease. These therapies, developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals in partnership with CRISPR Therapeutics and Lyfgenia, are now available to patients aged 12 and up.
If you’re on Oxbryta, make sure to talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
Oxbryta is intended to help manage sickle cell disease. However, like any medication, it can have side effects, some of which can be serious. Here are a few potential complications to be aware of:
Vaso-occlusive crises are a serious complication of sickle cell disease that cause severe pain when sickled red blood cells block blood vessels. Here’s how VOCs are connected to Oxbryta:
VOCs happen when these sickled cells restrict blood flow in small vessels, leading to reduced oxygen and intense pain, often in the chest, abdomen, or joints. Recent data show that patients taking Oxbryta experienced more vaso-occlusive crises than they did before starting the medication. This issue was highlighted in studies reviewed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Because of these findings, the EMA advised suspending Oxbryta’s approval while further evaluations took place, leading Pfizer to withdraw the medication from all markets.
Vaso-occlusive crises can result in serious complications, such as:
Given that VOCs can worsen in patients taking Oxbryta, they are a significant concern. This highlights the need for careful monitoring and management of these crises for those living with sickle cell disease.
Vaso-occlusive crises occur when sickled red blood cells block blood flow, leading to painful episodes for people with sickle cell disease. Key symptoms include:
These crises are serious and can lead to complications if not treated properly. It’s important to seek medical help quickly to manage pain and avoid further problems.
Due to safety concerns about Oxbryta (voxelotor) and its connection to more vaso-occlusive crises, here are some tips for those affected:
The withdrawal of Oxbryta highlights the importance of safety in managing sickle cell disease. If you’re affected by vaso-occlusive crises, work closely with your doctor to get the best care.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the Oxbryta recall, here’s what you can do:
If you or a loved one has been affected by Oxbryta, follow these steps to file an Oxbryta lawsuit:
Keep in mind the statute of limitations for filing an Oxbryta sickle cell lawsuit in your area, as this is the deadline for submitting your claim.
Concerns are rising about Oxbryta (voxelotor) and its potential links to vaso-occlusive crises and other serious side effects. Here’s an overview of the key legal claims that are being discussed:
Individuals affected by Oxbryta may be eligible for compensation due to complications like vaso-occlusive crises. Here are the main types of compensation that victims might pursue:
Victims of Oxbryta may seek compensation for:
These compensation options highlight the serious consequences of Oxbryta use and the potential for financial recovery. For more information about legal rights and possible compensation, consult Ethen Ostroff Law.
When dealing with pharmaceutical recalls like Oxbryta’s, having legal representation is essential. The pharmaceutical industry is powerful, and those harmed by their products often face significant challenges in seeking justice. Experienced personal injury lawyers know the ins and outs of legal and medical issues. They can help you maneuver through the legal system, improving your chances of a favorable outcome related to the Oxbryta recall. Having legal support also eases the stress of the situation. Attorneys can handle the legal complexities, letting you focus on your recovery and well-being.
As more patients learn about the serious side effects linked to Oxbryta, it’s understandable that many feel upset about not being warned beforehand. Ethen Ostroff Law is currently investigating cases where individuals have experienced severe side effects or fatalities after taking Oxbryta. We’re also keeping an eye on ongoing scientific investigations into the drug. If you or someone you know has been seriously harmed and you suspect Oxbryta is to blame, reach out to our personal injury lawyers today. We’re dedicated advocates for those affected by drugs that were meant to be safe and are committed to helping you seek the compensation you deserve under the law.
Nicholas began his post-graduate career clerking for the Honorable Linda Rovder Fleming in the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas. From there, he quickly found his calling in workers’ compensation, personal injury, and Social Security disability law—areas where he could directly impact people’s lives in moments of crisis. He’s helped clients navigate complex legal claims, including securing a settlement exceeding $300,000.
Nicholas brings clear communication, genuine empathy, and an unrelenting drive to achieve the best outcomes for his clients. Whether he’s navigating a complex workers’ comp claim or pushing for a major settlement, he brings focus, dedication, and deep legal knowledge to every case.
He’s also a proud member of Pennsylvania Advocates for Justice and remains active in various professional legal organizations. Nicholas is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania.
When he’s not fighting for the injured, Nicholas is enjoying time with his family, kicking a soccer ball around, hitting the golf course, or cheering on Pittsburgh’s local teams.
Joe Ring heads the workers’ compensation department at Ethen Ostroff Law, where he takes pride in fighting for injured workers.
Joe is a Philadelphia native and maintains deep roots in the area. As the grandson of a Philadelphia Firefighter, son of a Philadelphia public school teacher, and veteran of the United State Marine Corps, he was taught to value service, dedication, and hard work. He applies these values to every case and takes great satisfaction in representing hard-working clients with those same traits.
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in history from St. Vincent College in Western Pennsylvania, he graduated from Villanova Law School in 2012 and, since then, has litigated hundreds of workers’ compensation hearings and trial depositions on behalf of both employers and injured workers. During this time, Mr. Ring has written articles and presented Continuing Legal Education courses on developments in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law. He is active in local professional organizations, and, in 2022, he served a Co-chairperson of the Philadelphia Bar Associations Workers’ Compensation Section.
Since coming to EOL in 2024, he has dedicated his practice entirely to helping injured workers navigate the system and obtain their rightful benefits.
Joe is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.
Brandon Zanan heads the personal injury claim department with Ethen Ostroff Law.
Brandon’s education in both law and medicine assist him in expertly representing badly injured victims. Brandon has a Master’s Degree in Forensic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, with a concentration in anatomy and pathology. With this knowledge, Brandon is skilled at analyzing medical records and understanding injuries that are common in personal injury claims. He uses this expertise in conjunction with listening carefully to each client’s needs, in order to fiercely advocate for clients and tell their stories when they would not otherwise have a voice.
Brandon’s background includes a variety of experience and skills in various areas of civil practice. He is the author and editor of numerous books for the George T. Bisel Publishing Company, including “Pennsylvania Damages” and the “Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Annotated,” two texts that are frequently relied on by lawyers and judges across Pennsylvania as authoritative resources on personal injury law.
Brandon is a member of the Pennsylvania and Montgomery Bar Associations. He is also a member of Pennsylvania Association for Justice, and has served as an executive board member of the Montgomery American Inn of Court.
He is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States District Courts for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Middle District of Pennsylvania, the State of New Jersey, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Brandon has represented many clients in motor vehicle, premises liability, animal bite, and products liability cases across Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has obtained outstanding results with millions of dollars recovered for his clients.
He has been named a Pennsylvania Rising Star from 2021 onward. The “Super Lawyers-Rising Star®”, list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state
Brandon currently lives in Malvern with his wife Rachel and their son Max.
Effective Date: July 10, 2024
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