As legal professionals and claimants eagerly await the latest developments, this blog provides a detailed update on firms’ current Zantac litigation challenges. The primary legal issue revolves around the presence of NDMA in ranitidine products. Prolonged exposure to NDMA is linked to various cancers, leading to significant legal scrutiny over the adequate warnings provided by manufacturers and the overall safety of the product.

Zantac Litigation Quick Facts

Recall Status

The FDA recalled Zantac and its generic counterparts from the market in 2020 due to concerns that ranitidine, the active ingredient, could form N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen when ingested.

Number of Zantac Claims

More than 70,000 cases have been filed in Delaware, where a judge reviews scientific evidence to prove the cases are significant enough to go to trial. The leading case is Delaware In Re Zantac, N22C-109-101, Delaware Superior Court (Wilmington).

In 2022, a federal judge in Florida threw out more than 5,000 federal cases for lack of scientific relevance linking the drug to various injuries.

In 2024, Sanofi agreed to pay over $100 million to resolve about 4,000 Zantac cases.

Timeline

• 2019: Initial claims began to surface, leading to voluntary recalls.
• 2020: The FDA officially requested the removal of all ranitidine products.
• 2021: Cases consolidated into the MDL in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
• 2022: A significant ruling resulted in the dismissal of many Zantac cancer lawsuits due to challenges in conclusively linking ranitidine to cancer at the levels consumers were exposed to.
• 2024: Pfizer agrees to settle 10,000 Zantac cases

Zantac Settlement Criteria and Specifics

Recent Zantac lawsuit updates have revealed that settlement criteria have been released, marking a pivotal phase in the litigation process. This update outlines the conditions under which claimants can qualify for compensation, shaping the strategies law firms might adopt moving forward.

Identifying Eligible Cases

In light of the Zantac lawsuit update 2023 October, firms must scrutinize the detailed settlement criteria to identify eligible claims. Essential criteria include 

• The type of cancer diagnosis: Cancers most strongly associated with Zantac include stomach, esophageal, bladder, liver, and pancreatic cancers. However, additional types of cancer may also be considered in state-level cases.
• Identifying evidence of prescription frequencies and dosage over time, pathology reports of diagnosis and treatment, or receipts for over-the-counter purchases proving Zantac was taken.
• Taken Zantac at least once a week for one year before being diagnosed with cancer.
• Developed cancer within 20 years of the last time Zantac was taken.
• Be diagnosed with cancer at age 89 or younger.

How Firms Involved with Zantac Can Improve Case Review for Settlement

The 2022 decision to dismiss many Zantac cancer lawsuits highlighted the challenge of linking the medication to cancer in legal cases. This outcome stresses the need for thorough evidence to support claims. Here are streamlined steps for law firms to enhance their case review processes:

• Strengthen Evidence Collection: It’s crucial to gather solid evidence, including medical studies and expert opinions, to show that Zantac caused cancer. Previous cases were dismissed due to weak scientific support. 
• Ensure Accurate Documentation: Complete and precise documentation is essential. This includes medical records, receipts, prescription timelines showing Zantac’s purchase, relevant medical test results, and diagnosis. All documents should be carefully checked for accuracy and relevance.
• Use Technology for Efficiency: Software can quickly analyze large amounts of data, identifying key information such as medication frequency and dosage and the timing of cancer diagnosis and treatments. This allows teams to identify viable cases and prepare settlement packets quickly.
• Stay Updated and Adapt: Legal strategies should evolve based on new scientific research and developments. Firms must stay updated and adjust their approaches as needed. Utilizing technology allows for quick changes and eliminates duplicate work as litigation progresses.

Firms involved in the Zantac litigation can benefit significantly from leveraging technology like Pattern Data’s AI-driven tools, which enhance the speed and accuracy of medical record reviews. These tools automate the extraction of pertinent information, such as drug usage periods and dosage levels, aligning with the stringent proof requirements of the settlement criteria. By integrating these advanced solutions, firms can streamline their processes, reduce the risk of errors, and ensure that eligible cases are accurately identified and thoroughly prepared for successful outcomes.

Challenges in Zantac Case Review

Since the update on the Zantac lawsuit, managing the high volume of claimants has posed significant challenges. Firms must ensure meticulous compliance and accuracy in documentation. Common hurdles include differentiating relevant medical records and aligning them with stringent legal criteria.

How Pattern Data Can Help with Zantac Lawsuit Medical Record Review for Settlement

Pattern Data’s AI-driven tools can significantly aid by automating the review and organization of extensive case data, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. Our technology is designed to handle complexities such as sorting and tagging of records, chronological organization of medical history, and drug usage analysis.

Pattern Data uses AI to quickly organize all evidence for claim submissions, simplifying the process of determining settlement eligibility and managing allocation procedures.

For example, the platform detects colorectal cancer on page 91 of the 296 of a plaintiff’s medical records based on the criteria, extracts essential diagnostic information like pathology record types, and maintains direct links between reviewed data and evidence for quick reference and export.

Interested in learning more about how Pattern can help identify your best Zantac cases? Request a demo.