You may be eligible to file an Oxbryta lawsuit and seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, or wrongful death. The law firm of Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP is now representing sickle cell patients and families impacted by the defective prescription drug Oxbryta (voxelotor)—a medication linked to increased vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), stroke, and death.
Oxbryta is a sickle cell medication first developed by Global Blood Therapeutics and later acquired by Pfizer, Inc. Approved by the FDA in 2019 under an accelerated pathway, Oxbryta was designed to prevent red blood cells from sickling and reduce the risk of complications from sickle cell disease (SCD). In 2021, its approval was expanded for children as young as 4.
However, new post-marketing studies and clinical trial data revealed alarming results: patients taking Oxbryta experienced higher rates of VOCs and fatalities compared to the placebo group. This led to a voluntary recall of the drug in September 2024.
Oxbryta is a medication originally developed by Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT) and later acquired by Pfizer, Inc. It was fast-tracked for FDA approval in 2019 for treating sickle cell disease (SCD) in adults and children 12 years and older. By 2021, the approval was expanded to include children ages 4 to 11.
The drug was intended to work by preventing red blood cells from sickling, improving oxygen delivery, and reducing the frequency of painful vaso-occlusive episodes. However, new data from Pfizer’s ongoing clinical trials has shown that Oxbryta may increase the very complications it was designed to prevent.
On September 26, 2024, Pfizer issued a voluntary global recall of Oxbryta. The FDA published a safety communication confirming that clinical trial participants taking Oxbryta had increased risks of vaso-occlusive crisis events, decreased oxygen delivery, and death. Pfizer admitted in its statement that the “benefits no longer outweigh the risks.”
VOCs are painful, dangerous events in sickle cell patients where misshapen red blood cells block blood vessels, cutting off oxygen supply to vital organs.
VOC symptoms include:
Sudden pain in the chest, back, arms, or legs
Swelling in hands and feet (especially in children)
Fatigue or shortness of breath
Fever, stroke risk, or acute chest syndrome
June 16, 2025 — Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed
A widow in Tennessee filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Northern District of California against Pfizer and Global Blood Therapeutics, alleging that her husband died from complications caused by Oxbryta, including increased VOCs and stroke. He began using Oxbryta in 2022, suffered a stroke in April 2024, and died in May 2024.
July 1, 2025 — Potential MDL in Discussion
Attorneys are monitoring whether Oxbryta lawsuits will be consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). While an MDL could streamline proceedings, some legal experts caution that it may reduce individual settlement values.
If you or a loved one has experienced complications from Oxbryta, don’t wait to seek legal help.
Contact Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro today for a FREE consultation.
Call (800) 675-8556 or contact us online to get started.
Patients and families are pursuing Oxbryta product liability claims for the following reasons:
The drug caused vaso-occlusive crises, strokes, and deaths
Pfizer and GBT failed to warn about the true risks
The drug did not undergo adequate long-term testing
Post-market surveillance failed to protect patients
The drug was still marketed after known safety issues emerged
You may qualify if:
You or a loved one took Oxbryta for sickle cell anemia
You suffered a VOC, stroke, hospitalization, or death
You have medical records linking your injury to the medication
You are the surviving family member of someone who died while using Oxbryta
If successful, your case may result in compensation for:
Past and future medical expenses
Hospitalization and emergency care
Loss of income or reduced earning ability
Pain and suffering
Wrongful death damages (if applicable)
Punitive damages if corporate misconduct is proven
Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro is a nationally recognized law firm with extensive experience in pharmaceutical lawsuits, including recalled medications, defective drug litigation, and wrongful death claims. We are currently reviewing claims from across the U.S. related to the Oxbryta recall and its devastating side effects.
Why clients choose SSKB:
Decades of success in mass tort and personal injury cases
Partnerships with leading medical experts and toxicologists
No upfront fees – we only get paid if you win
Personalized, compassionate legal guidance
To protect your legal rights:
Save medical records showing diagnosis, prescriptions, and treatment
Document all symptoms, VOCs, or complications
Call (800) 675-8556 or fill out our online form for a free consultation
Is Oxbryta still on the market?
No. Oxbryta was recalled in September 2024 and is no longer available.
Can I file on behalf of someone who died?
Yes. Wrongful death lawsuits are available to surviving spouses, children, or legal representatives.
Is this part of a class action?
Not yet. Oxbryta lawsuits are being filed individually, though future consolidation is possible.
Is there a time limit to file?
Yes. Each state has a statute of limitations, so act quickly to protect your claim.
If Oxbryta caused serious harm or death to you or a loved one, don’t wait to take legal action. Our drug injury lawyers are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Let our experienced team of Oxbryta recall attorneys help you move forward with confidence.