Millions of Americans have taken valsartan, a medication intended to manage high blood pressure and heart conditions. However, when news broke in 2018 that valsartan was contaminated with probable carcinogens, it led to widespread concern and subsequent legal action.
To file a Valsartan cancer lawsuit, individuals needed to prove that their cancer diagnoses were linked to the contaminated medication.
July 2018: The Recall Begins
In July 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall of several valsartan medications due to contamination with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a substance classified as a probable human carcinogen. This recall affected millions who relied on valsartan for their health.
Early 2019: Lawsuits Take Shape
By early 2019, the first lawsuits began to emerge. These suits alleged that manufacturers knowingly distributed contaminated valsartan, putting consumers at risk.
The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated these cases in New Jersey under Judge Robert B. Kugler.
December 2022: Expert Testimony Accepted
In December 2022, Judge Kugler ruled to allow expert testimony linking valsartan to cancer, rejecting the defendants’ attempts to exclude this crucial evidence. This ruling was pivotal as it affirmed the scientific basis for many of the plaintiffs’ claims and allowed the litigation to move forward.
February 2023: Class Certification
In February 2023, Judge Kugler certified multiple plaintiff classes, including those for personal injury and economic loss. This certification was crucial as it grouped similar cases, streamlining the litigation process and strengthening the collective claims against the defendants.
April 2023: Appeal Denied
In April 2023, the Third Circuit Court denied the defendant’s motion for an interlocutory appeal of the class certification ruling. This decision cleared the way for the economic loss cases to proceed toward trial by the end of 2023 or early 2024.
October 2023: Pretrial Developments
On October 19, 2023, U.S. Magistrate Judge Singh signed a pretrial scheduling order, setting a telephone status conference for January 22, 2024, and a deadline of September 30, 2024, for all fact discovery. This schedule aimed to keep the litigation on track and ensure timely progress.
May 2024: Leadership Changes
In May 2024, Judge Renee M. Bumb took over the litigation following Judge Kugler’s retirement. Her appointment marked a new phase in the case, and she quickly moved to advance the proceedings. Judge Bumb ordered a status conference and issued several key orders, pushing the litigation forward.
June 2024: Settlement Negotiations
At the end of May 2024, Judge Bumb ordered both sides to finalize the settlement terms for all three classes of plaintiffs by June 30, 2024. This order specifically targeted settlements involving the defendant Hetero, who was responsible for a small percentage of the valsartan cases.
Although this settlement was significant, it only covered a fraction of the overall litigation, with the majority of cases still pending.
July 2024: Current Status
As of July 2024, the majority of the valsartan cases remain unresolved. Over 1,250 lawsuits are still pending in the MDL. Despite the near-finalization of the Hetero settlement, other defendants continue to face litigation, and no trials have commenced yet. Legal experts are hopeful that trial dates will be reset soon to advance the litigation.
Conclusion
The Valsartan scandal is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pharmaceutical negligence. It highlights the importance of safety and transparency in drug manufacturing, as well as the need for patients and healthcare providers to remain vigilant about potential risks.
While the legal battle may be winding down, the scars of the Valsartan scandal will remain for many years to come.
We hope that this tragic episode will serve as a reminder of the importance of putting patient safety first and will lead to positive changes in the pharmaceutical industry.
