In September of 2024 Pfizer voluntarily withdrew Oxbryta (voxelotor), the sickle cell disease treatment, from global markets and has suspended all active clinical trials of the drugs. Pfizer made this decision based on their conclusion that the benefits of using the drug no longer outweigh the risks that can arise. Their data shows an imbalance in vaso-occlusive crises (VOC’s) and fatal events associated with the drug’s use. Furthermore, the company has shared their findings with regulatory agencies and informed them of their halting of distribution and clinical trials. 

About the Drug

Oxbryta (voxelator) is a once-daily treatment for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and is taken orally. The drug helps a patient’s hemoglobin (the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen) to hold on to oxygen more tightly. This can help the hemoglobin resist the formation of stiff, sickle-shaped clumps associated with SCD. This, in turn, reduces the breaking down of red blood cells (hemolysis) and the resulting anemia which is a major issue for people with SCD. 

 Side Effects

Use of the drug has been associated with Vaso-Occlusive Crises (VOC’s) along with pain and swelling in the body. A VOC is a medical condition in people with sickle cell disease where the misshaped sickle cells block blood flow to parts of the body. 

Symptoms of a Vaso-Occlusive Crisis include the following: 

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Fever
  • Organ Damage
  • Organ Failure 
  • Osteonecrosis
  • Vision Problems
  • Stroke
  • Death

Compensation

You should contact The Cochran Firm if you or a loved one: 

  • Treated with Oxbryta for at least one month from the age of 12 or older from November 2019 to September 2024
  • Treated with Oxbryta from the age of 4 or older from December 2021to September 2024
  • Suffered an increase in Sickle Cell Disease-related symptoms or death

The Cochran Firm is a National law firm with decades of experience in handling Mass Tort and Class Action cases. Our attorneys are dedicated to serving our clients and fighting for the compensation they deserve.