Zantac Settlement Secures Justice for Thousands, and More Work Lies Ahead

In mass tort litigation, the path to resolution can be challenging, but persistence often leads to significant outcomes. The recent $2.2 billion settlement in the Zantac litigation, with plaintiffs represented by Watts Law Firm LLP alongside nine other law firms, demonstrates how dedicated efforts over time can bring justice to those affected. The settlement resolves 93% of the Zantac lawsuits in state courts against GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), marking a major milestone for the thousands of individuals who claimed that Zantac was linked to cancer due to the presence of NDMA, a known carcinogen.

Attorney Mikal Watts, who represents about 10% of the 80,000 plaintiffs, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, while noting that the fight is not yet over. He emphasized that there are still unresolved claims and additional defendants whose cases remain pending. This settlement is a significant step forward but highlights the commitment and resilience required to achieve meaningful results for the victims involved.

Background of the Zantac Cases

The Zantac litigation has been a long and complex legal battle, involving over 80,000 patients who alleged that the popular heartburn medication was linked to cancer due to the presence of NDMA. Zantac, or ranitidine, was widely prescribed for years before concerns about its safety surfaced. In 2019, the FDA discovered that the medication contained NDMA, a potential carcinogen, leading to the filing of numerous lawsuits.

While GSK did not admit liability as part of the settlement, it acknowledged that resolving the cases was in the company’s best long-term interests, helping to remove significant financial uncertainty and avoid prolonged litigation.

Ongoing Litigation and Future Settlements

Although the $2.2 billion settlement resolves most claims against GlaxoSmithKline, there are still outstanding lawsuits against other defendants, including Pfizer, Sanofi, and Boehringer Ingelheim. Mikal Watts noted that discussions with these companies are ongoing, with hopes to bring all defendants to the negotiating table. “We’re in discussion with the remaining defendants, and this doesn’t hurt the process,” Watts reported to ALM Law.com. “Hopefully, we can get all four defendants to participate and wrap this up.”

Watts remains hopeful that the ongoing negotiations will lead to a resolution for all parties involved, ensuring that justice is served for the thousands of victims who have suffered due to dangerous pharmaceutical practices.

The Zantac litigation serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance in mass tort cases, particularly when public safety and corporate accountability are at stake. Although this settlement resolves a significant portion of the Zantac lawsuits, it is not the end of the road. Watts Law Firm LLP, along with the other plaintiff firms involved, remains committed to ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable and that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

As the legal process continues, the ongoing discussions with the remaining defendants signal that there is still work to be done. With the support of dedicated legal teams, the fight for justice will persist, and the settlement reached with GSK is just one step in a larger journey toward resolving these claims.

This information is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice. 

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Mikal Watts

Written on behalf of Mikal Watts, and reviewed by Watts Law Firm LLP

Mikal C. Watts is Board-Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a Martindale-Hubbel AV Rated Lawyer.