Settlement Reached in Zantac Lawsuits, Potentially Worth $2.2 Billion in San Antonio

Settlement Announced for Zantac Lawsuits in San Antonio

San Antonio is buzzing with news after a major legal development regarding the heartburn medication Zantac. A group of attorneys, including local attorney Mikal Watts, has successfully negotiated a settlement worth up to $2.2 billion to resolve claims from nearly 80,000 individuals who allege that a discontinued version of Zantac caused cancer.

The Background of Zantac

For those who may not be familiar, Zantac was a popular over-the-counter medication used for heartburn and acid reflux. However, concerns first arose regarding its safety in 2020 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that manufacturers withdraw the drug from the market due to reports linking it to cancer. This was particularly alarming for those who had been taking the medication for quite some time, and people naturally began to worry about the potential risks associated with it.

What’s the Settlement All About?

The settlement reached with GSK PLC, the company that produced Zantac, does not include an admission of liability. However, it serves as an important step in addressing the claims of those who fell ill after taking the medication. The recent agreement covers state court cases that have been filed across the country, marking a significant win for the plaintiffs represented by Watts’ law firm, based right here in San Antonio.

A Closer Look at the Claims

According to Watts, the active ingredient in Zantac, called ranitidine, can transform into a potentially cancer-causing substance known as NDMA when stored under certain conditions, especially at temperatures above room temperature. This revelation was one of the key factors that led to the FDA’s decision to withdraw Zantac from the market. The plaintiffs argued that GSK, along with its counterparts who had manufacturing rights over the years, were aware of these risks but chose to keep the drug available to consumers.

What Happens Next?

While this settlement marks a significant milestone, it’s only part of the ongoing legal battle surrounding Zantac. Lawsuits are still making their way through the courts against other pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim, and Sanofi. For example, Pfizer had the rights to sell Zantac in the U.S. from 1998 to 2006, while Boehringer Ingelheim held the rights from 2007 to 2016, and Sanofi controlled it until September 2019, shortly before it was removed from the market.

In fact, just this past April, Sanofi agreed to pay over $100 million to settle around 4,000 Zantac-related lawsuits, a deal that Watts was part of. Additionally, in May, Pfizer settled more than 10,000 related cases, but many more are still on the horizon.

About Mikal Watts

Mikal Watts, who initiated the Zantac lawsuits, is recognized for his skill in mass torts litigation. He has a noteworthy background, having worked on various high-profile cases involving toxic exposure and wrongful death across other sectors. As he prepares to return to San Antonio after spending some time in Puerto Rico, Watts emphasized that this settlement is a positive step toward resolving these claims for his clients.

A Long Road Ahead

As the legal discussions continue, many are understandably curious about what this settlement means for those impacted and whether it will lead to further action from the companies involved. Patients who relied on Zantac and faced health risks as a result will likely have their eyes glued to the courtroom for updates on ongoing cases.

So, if you or someone you know has been affected by Zantac, it might be a good idea to stay informed and consider your options as this saga unfolds. This latest development in San Antonio serves as a reminder of the importance of holding corporations accountable for the products they place in the hands of consumers.