This blog provides an update on the multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving claims related to GLP-1 RA medicines, also known as the “Ozempic MDL.” This class of medications includes Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, which are manufactured by the Novo Nordisk defendants, and Trulicity and Mounjaro, which are manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.
What are GLP-1 RAs?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are medicines initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. The drug mimics the naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is released from the intestines after a meal to lower blood glucose levels.
GLP-1 RAs activate the GLP-1 receptors to stimulate insulin secretion and slow gastric emptying. Because GLP-1 degrades quickly, semaglutide has been engineered to last longer in the bloodstream, making it effective as a once-weekly injection. Beyond its original purpose, semaglutide has shown potential as a weight loss treatment, leading to its expanded use among obese patients.
What is the Ozempic MDL?
The multidistrict litigation, called “MDL 3094 In Re: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAS) Products Liability Litigation,” is currently active. It stems from claims that manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings about the risks associated with GLP-1 RAs. The first lawsuit was filed on August 2, 2023.
In February 2024, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict (JPML) decided to centralize these lawsuits in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The JPML determined that the lawsuits shared common allegations—specifically, that GLP-1 RAs may cause gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal injuries. While earlier filings emphasized the drugmakers’ aggressive marketing strategies, the court has been narrowing its focus to whether the FDA-approved warning labels were sufficient in conveying these risks.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company, the primary defendants, deny these allegations. The current MDL judge overseeing these lawsuits is Judge Karen Marston.
Who are the defendants in the semaglutide lawsuit?
The main defendants in this MDL are Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company. Novo Nordisk initially developed semaglutide in 2012 and markets it under the brand names Ozempic and Rybelsus for diabetes, and under the brand name of Wegovy for weight loss. In December 2024, the JPMDL decided to additionally include claims involving Novo Nordisk’s Saxenda. Eli Lilly and Company is the sole maker and provider of drug brands Trulicity and Mounjaro, other GLP-1 RA drugs.
What injuries have been linked to GLP-1 RAs?
Injuries linked to GLP-1 RAs have been debilitation and go so far as to result in death. This MDL remains focused on extreme gastrointestinal side effects, including gastroparesis, intestinal blockages, and gastroenteritis.
Although additional injuries have been reported, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and vision issues such as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), the JMPL decided not to add these injuries to the existing MDL in January 2025.
What is gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis, is a medical condition in which the patient’s stomach does not properly empty. This causes food to stay in the patient’s stomach longer than it should, potentially leading to hospitalization. Common symptoms of gastroparesis include abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, and more.
What are the latest updates on the GLP-1 RAs lawsuit?
As of April 2025, the total number of claims in this MDL has increased to 1,685. During the March 2025 MDL status conference, plaintiff’s attorneys projected that the litigation could eventually include tens of thousands of cases. An internal poll of plaintiff firms already involved in the MDL revealed that approximately 7,000 potential cases were under active investigation. This comes as the global GLP-1 receptor agonist market continues to surge, with sales skyrocketing from $53.5 billion in 2024 to $62.86 billion in 2025, with projections reaching $268.37 billion by 2034.
Looking ahead, the court will hold an evidentiary hearing on May 20, 2025. Judge Marston will address whether or not to permit early discovery and motion practice on the issues of preemption, adequacy of warning labels, and gastroparesis diagnostic testing standards. This hearing may influence which types of claims make it into the later stages of litigation.
A central issue moving forward is the attempt by the key defendants to block two key plaintiffs’ experts from testifying. These experts, Dr. Daniel Raines and Dr. Eliot Siegel, have argued that a gastroparesis diagnosis can be valid without a specific medical test. The defendants are urging the court to require that a gastroparesis diagnosis be based on objective, contemporaneous testing. However, this is part of the defendants’ broader strategy to limit the number of claims and potentially dismiss valid cases. This may disqualify many claims from plaintiffs who did not undergo formal testing as symptoms may have improved after stopping the medication, and their doctors didn’t see the need for further evaluation.
What You Can Do
By working with Broughton Partners, law firms gain more clients and build better connections between claimants, litigating firms, and referring firms. With various consumer-facing brands, we reach out to potential claimants across television, radio, social media, and other advertising avenues. Claimants contact our in-house 24/7 call center and are screened for eligibility using criteria created with leading litigators. These pre-qualified retainers are then delivered to your firm without any additional work on your part.
Our process lets attorneys help more people without adding to their workload and gives claimants more power to find necessary legal aid. Ready to learn more? Call us at (844) 206-4644 or complete our online contact form today.