San Francisco, California – Pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has reached a settlement in yet another lawsuit regarding its popular heartburn medication, Zantac. The lawsuit was filed in California and alleged that the medication caused cancerous tumors in the plaintiff.
GSK, based in the United Kingdom, has faced numerous lawsuits across the US concerning the potential link between Zantac and cancer. The settlement comes in the wake of recent studies that found the presence of a probable human carcinogen, NDMA, in ranitidine-based drugs like Zantac.
The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but GSK maintains that it resolved this case to avoid the costs and uncertainties of litigation. The company continues to deny any wrongdoing and stands by the safety of Zantac when used as directed.
As a result of mounting lawsuits and safety concerns, GSK voluntarily withdrew Zantac from the market in April 2020. This decision was followed by a recall of all prescription and over-the-counter versions of the drug by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA’s recall was based on its own independent testing, which detected higher levels of NDMA in ranitidine-based medications than initially anticipated. The agency advised consumers to discontinue use of these products and seek alternative treatments.
Since then, several studies have reinforced the link between Zantac and the elevated presence of NDMA. The Environmental Protection Agency has classified NDMA as a probable carcinogen, adding further weight to the concerns surrounding the drug.
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against GSK, with plaintiffs alleging that their use of Zantac led to various forms of cancer, including bladder, stomach, and colorectal cancer. Some cases have already resulted in significant verdicts against the company, including a recent $1 billion verdict awarded to three plaintiffs in a South Carolina federal court.
GSK’s settlement in the California lawsuit is seen as a strategic move to resolve cases outside the courtroom and reduce legal costs. However, the outcome of these settlements may not bode well for the company, as they could set precedents for future litigation.
As the lawsuits continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how GSK will navigate the legal landscape and address the concerns surrounding Zantac. The company’s reputation and finances may be at stake as it battles mounting allegations and fights to restore public trust in its products.