The Onglyza lawsuit has been making headlines lately, and for a good reason. This diabetes drug has been linked to serious health problems such as heart failure, pancreatic cancer, and even death. While there is no doubt that the victims of this medication deserve justice, class action attorneys have had difficulty proving liability in these cases.
Here, we’ll discuss the primary reasons behind these difficulties and what it means for those seeking compensation.
Brief History of the Onglyza Class Action Lawsuit
The litigation involving Onglyza (saxagliptin) has been complex, and attorneys have had difficulty proving liability. The drug is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing levels of natural substances called incretins, which help the body to better control blood sugar levels.
There have been several thousand lawsuits filed against the makers of Onglyza, alleging that the drug caused heart failure and other serious cardiovascular problems. The cases were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in 2016.
What Has the FDA Done About the Risks of Onglyza?
The Food and Drug Administration was quite diligent in its communications with the makers of Onglyza – Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca. Once they learned that there was a link between the medication and heart failure, the FDA made it very clear that the drug manufacturers had a duty to warn their customers.
In December 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required the manufacturers of Onglyza to add a warning about the potential risk of heart failure to the drug’s label.
The FDA also issued a safety communication in March 2020, stating that an ongoing review had found an increased risk of heart failure with saxagliptin-containing medicines.
Potential Liability of the Drug Companies Involved in the Onglyza Lawsuits
The potential legal liability of drug companies involved in the Onglyza lawsuits is significant. The companies face claims that they failed to warn patients about the potential risks associated with the use of the diabetes medication. They have also been accused of engaging in false and misleading marketing of the drug.
The plaintiffs in the Onglyza lawsuit allege that the defendants knew or should have known that the drug could cause serious side effects, including heart failure, but failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about those risks.
The class action attorneys representing the victims also claim that the companies engaged in false and misleading marketing of Onglyza, downplaying the risks associated with its use.
What Claims Have the Drug Manufacturers Made in the Onglyza Lawsuits?
The defendants deny the plaintiffs’ allegations and argue that they acted appropriately in developing and marketing Onglyza. They maintain that the benefits of the drug far outweigh any potential risks. They have also stated that the warnings on its label are adequate.
The outcome of this litigation will likely depend on which side the jury believes. If the jury finds for the plaintiffs, the damages could be significant, as there are currently more than 2,000 lawsuits pending against the defendants.
If the defendants prevail, however, it could set a precedent limiting future liability for drug companies.
What Challenges Are Class Action Attorneys Facing?
Since its approval in 2009, the diabetes medication Onglyza has been the subject of much controversy. In recent years, there have been several reports linking the drug to an increased risk of heart failure and other serious cardiac complications.
As a result, a number of mass tort lawsuits have been filed against the drug’s manufacturers, Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca.
However, class action attorneys have faced a number of challenges in proving liability in these cases. First, it has been difficult to establish causation between Onglyza and heart failure. There are a number of other factors that can contribute to heart failure, such as obesity and hypertension.
Second, to succeed in a mass tort lawsuit, class action attorneys must prove that the defendants knew or should have known about the risks associated with Onglyza. They must also demonstrate that the drug manufacturers failed to warn patients and physicians about those risks.
Third, many plaintiffs who have suffered injuries from taking Onglyza may not have viable legal claims.
Role of Expert Witnesses and Statistical Evidence in Onglyza Lawsuits
To establish liability in the Onglyza lawsuits, class action attorneys have relied heavily on the testimony of expert witnesses and statistical evidence. However, this has proven to hurt their cases more than help them.
- The expert witnesses that have been called to testify have often been contradictory in their opinions.
- The statistical evidence has been complicated and sometimes hard to understand.
- Many of the plaintiffs in the Onglyza litigation are suffering from serious side effects that make it difficult for them to participate in trial proceedings.
- There have been a number of delays in the trial proceedings.
All of these factors have contributed to the difficulty that class action attorneys have had in establishing liability in the Onglyza litigation.
Recent Developments in the Onglyza Litigation
Recent developments in the Onglyza lawsuits have been largely unfavorable to plaintiffs. In December 2019, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio granted summary judgment to defendant AstraZeneca, dismissing all claims against the company.
The court held that plaintiffs had failed to produce any evidence that AstraZeneca knew or should have known about the risks associated with Onglyza.
In January 2020, another federal court dismissed a similar lawsuit against AstraZeneca. The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida held that plaintiffs had failed to show that the company had acted negligently in designing, testing, and marketing Onglyza.
The recent decisions suggest that class action attorneys may have difficulty proving liability in Onglyza litigation.
Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Class Action Attorney
There are many benefits to hiring an experienced class action attorney when pursuing a mass tort litigation case. One of the most important benefits is that an experienced attorney will have a better understanding of the process and will be able to guide you through it effectively.
Additionally, an experienced attorney will likely have a network of other attorneys and professionals who can be invaluable resources during the litigation process.
Furthermore, an experienced attorney will be able to handle all of the paperwork and filings associated with your case in a timely and efficient manner. An experienced attorney will fight hard to get you the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact a Skilled Class Action Attorney to Schedule Your Free Case Review!
If you or a loved one has suffered from heart failure, pancreatitis, or other serious side effects after taking the diabetes medication Onglyza, you may be entitled to compensation. The best way to know for sure is to talk to a class action attorney as soon as possible.
It’s important to keep in mind that, as the Onglyza litigation progresses, it is getting harder to predict a victory for the plaintiffs. Our class action attorneys have been filing lawsuits on behalf of patients who were harmed by the drug, but so far, they have had difficulty proving liability.
Even though the path to victory may be wrought with challenges, you should still reach out to a class action attorney. If you believe you have a case, it is important to contact a skilled class action attorney as soon as possible to schedule a free case review.
