In the unfolding saga surrounding blockbuster weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, legal representatives for individuals claiming insufficient warning about severe side effects are actively seeking consolidation of the lawsuits. Recent court filings reveal a mounting total of approximately 20 lawsuits against pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly since August.
Attorneys, spearheaded by the prominent law firm Morgan & Morgan, which has initiated nine of these lawsuits, submitted a motion on Friday urging the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to centralize the litigation in the Western District of Louisiana. This strategic move aims to streamline the discovery process and avert conflicting judicial decisions.
While proponents argue that consolidating cases expedites legal proceedings, critics, often representing defendant companies, voice concerns that the process may enable plaintiffs’ lawyers to file claims lacking substantial support.
The response from Novo Nordisk remains pending, with a company spokesperson stating that they are evaluating the filing and will respond in due course. Emphasizing the extensive study and continuous safety monitoring of Novo Nordisk drugs, the spokesperson remained tight-lipped on the company’s stance regarding consolidation.
Eli Lilly, the other pharmaceutical heavyweight named in the lawsuits, has yet to provide comments in response to requests for clarification.
These legal actions, filed on behalf of individuals prescribed the drugs for diabetes treatment or weight loss assistance, allege that the companies downplayed or neglected to warn consumers about potential side effects such as stomach paralysis and intestinal obstruction.
The lawsuits specifically mention Novo Nordisk’s drugs Ozempic, Saxenda, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, as well as Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Trulicity. The pharmaceutical companies have vehemently contested these allegations, arguing in court filings that the side effects are well-documented and clearly outlined on the drug labels.
Morgan & Morgan, the driving force behind the consolidation motion, refrained from commenting on the ongoing situation. However, the filing disclosed that the law firm is actively investigating over 10,000 claims related to the drugs.
If the motion is granted, the consolidation is proposed to be overseen by U.S. District Judge James Cain in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Currently handling the first lawsuit related to these side effects, Judge Cain is evaluating the pharmaceutical companies’ bid to dismiss the case, as indicated by court records.
Cameron Stephenson of Levin Papantonio Rafferty expressed support for the consolidation, mentioning that his firm has one lawsuit filed and is investigating approximately 100 additional cases. The JPML is scheduled to convene for its next hearing in January, marking a pivotal moment in this unfolding legal drama.
