The Onglyza litigation is gaining momentum as the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) heard from attorneys representing Onglyza and Kombiglyze patients when deciding whether to consolidate all federally-filed cases before one court for pre-trial proceedings.

About Onglyza & Heart Failure

Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR (generic version: saxagliptin) are Type 2 diabetes medications sold by AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb, respectively. They are popular medications for controlling blood sugar. However, studies and the FDA linked them to an increased risk of heart failure and pancreatitis. When AstraZeneca submitted their study to the FDA for approval, the main side effect they noted was an upper respiratory infection. There wasn’t any mention of heart failure.

AstraZeneca Knew About Heart Failure All Along

Ongoing litigation alleges that AstraZeneca likely knew Onglyza had the potential for heart failure as early as 2006. This is three years before the FDA approved the drug. Heart failure is a potentially deadly condition. It arises when the heart does not pump blood thoroughly enough to satisfy the needs of the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart failure contributed to 1 in every 9 deaths in the U.S. in 2009. Half of all people who develop heart failure will die within 5 years of the diagnosis, according to the CDC.

The FDA was not aware that Onglyza was killing people until 2014. This is 5 years after the agency approved the drug. This is when the FDA demanded an investigation into the link between saxagliptin use and heart failure.

Current Onglyza Litigation

The first lawsuits filed in New Jersey claim that the manufacturer sold Onglyza in 2009 without conducting the clinical trials suggested in the FDA’s 2008 guidance. Currently, there cases pending in northern California, and plaintiffs’ attorneys are moving to ensure others are coordinated there as well. In fact, this coordinated litigation has doubled in size since plaintiffs filed the petition for consolidation three months ago. Plaintiffs’ attorneys argue that the court should coordinate these cases to maximize the litigation pressure on Defendants and coordinate discovery.

Conversely, defendants AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb argued that the cases should not be consolidated and instead should be litigated on an individual basis in courts throughout the country. Plaintiffs’ attorneys anticipate a growing number of cases.

According to the CDC, there are almost 30 million people in the US with diabetes and possibly over 8 million potentially undiagnosed. This year, Onglyza sales could peak at $1.8 billion.

Choosing the Right Onglyza Litigation Attorney

Saxagliptin medications like Onglyza and Kombligyze XR have hurt thousands of people. It is important that if Onglyza caused your heart failure to contact a law firm, who has experience and the resources to get you the compensation you deserve. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is that firm. We have decades of experience at recovering millions for clients. This is why we have received a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, such as inclusion on numerous Plaintiff Steering Committees. We will take whatever legal measures are necessary when fighting for your rights to damages.