One of those complaints was brought by Tirrell Allen in November 2024, indicating that side effects of Oxbryta caused him to suffer a stroke, in addition to pain, swelling and a higher rate of sickle cell disease-related incidents, known as vaso-occlusive crises (VOC).
Vaso-occlusive crises occur when the red blood cells block blood flow, and the tissues become deprived of oxygen. This can cause an inflammatory response, which can lead to symptoms like pain in the chest, back and limbs, as well as fever. Patients often have to be hospitalized and can suffer kidney failure and stroke. Additionally, many patients can suffer death following a vaso-occlusive event.
On February 7, Allen and the drug manufacturers filed a joint case management statement (PDF) in the case, outlining their respective positions on issues in the case and the scope of anticipated discovery.
U.S. District Judge Trian Thompson issued a case management and scheduling order (PDF) in the Allen case on February 15, scheduling the case to go to trial by June 7, 2027.
The schedule calls for the completion of fact discovery by December 15, 2025, and expert discovery by April 10, 2026. Judge Thompson indicates that dispositive and Daubert motions should be filed by December 11, 2026, with a final pretrial conference set for May 6, 2027.
In addition, Judge Thompson has called for the parties to submit a joint statement by next Friday, detailing all related injury lawsuits filed after Oxybryta was discontinued, including an outline of claims brought in federal and state courts, as well as the current status of the lawsuits.
While the outcome of the Allen trial will not be binding on other lawsuits over Oxbryta, it is likely to be closely watched to see how the jury responds to evidence and testimony that will likely be repeated throughout a large number of claims. The outcome may also help spur the parties to reach an Oxbryta settlement agreement for former users of the discontinued drug.