First bellwether trial in the valsartan MDL will involve claims brought by an Alabama man diagnosed with liver cancer, which is the most commonly reported injury caused by the recalled blood pressure drug.
More than 1,270 Valsartan lawsuits are currently awaiting trial, most involving plaintiffs diagnosed with cancer following exposure to the recalled blood pressure drug, who are getting sicker and many are dying.
Nitrosamine contamination has resulted in massive recalls for valsartan, Zantac and other medications, as well as lawsuits by users who developed cancer.
Judge hopes Valsartan recall lawsuit sanctions over discovery failures will serve as a deterrent to other foreign companies considering disregard for U.S. laws.
A joint report recommends that the first valsartan recall lawsuit be set to go before a jury in Fall 2024, after a prior trial scheduled to begin in March was postponed when the judge presiding over the litigation retired.
Lawyers will seek preliminary approval for a settlement of valsartan lawsuits against the generic drug maker Hetero, but claims involving other manufacturers of contaminated valsartan pills remain unresolved
Parties indicate they have reached a proposed settlement agreement for certain Valsartan class action lawsuits and claims involving a similar drug, irbesartan.
The first valsartan recall lawsuit was scheduled to go to trial late last month, but the case was delayed and a new date has not yet been announced.
Guidance comes after a number of massive drug recalls issued in recent years due to nitrosamine contamination, which could increase cancer risks.
Merck indicates it has identified the cause of nitrosamine contaminants in some batches of Januvia and Janumet, which occurs during the manufacturing and storage process.
