As of August 2025, the Ozempic class action lawsuit has rapidly expanded to include over 2,190 cases consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (MDL No. 3094). The lawsuits target Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic (semaglutide) and other GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Rybelsus, alleging the company failed to warn users about serious gastrointestinal, vision-related, and vascular side effects.
Background and Overview
Ozempic, originally approved to treat type 2 diabetes, has seen dramatic off-label use and promotion for weight loss. Plaintiffs claim the drug causes or contributes to severe conditions such as gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION – sudden vision loss), pancreatitis, kidney problems, and intestinal blockages. Many lawsuits also allege misleading advertising and inadequate safety warnings by Novo Nordisk.
The litigation also includes claims about other GLP-1 drugs within the same class, as these share similar active ingredients and risk profiles.
Key Allegations and Legal Claims
- Failure to Warn: Plaintiffs argue Novo Nordisk did not adequately disclose serious side effects and risks associated with long-term use.
- Design Defect: Alleged that the drug is inherently risky due to unanticipated adverse reactions.
- Misrepresentation and Fraud: For downplaying the severity of side effects and overstating benefits.
- Breach of Express and Implied Warranty: The drug is claimed not to perform as safely advertised.
Current Litigation Status
The MDL is actively in the discovery phase, with both sides exchanging medical records, expert reports, and internal company documents. Key developments on record include:
- Recent judicial rulings require plaintiffs claiming gastroparesis to present gastric emptying studies to prove causation.
- Separate consolidation efforts in New Jersey state court are underway targeting vision loss claims associated with NAION.
- Key evidentiary hearings on expert testimony are set for mid-year, determining what scientific evidence will be admissible.
- Bellwether trial selections are expected to occur by late 2025, with trials likely beginning in early 2026.
Potential Settlement and Damages
Legal analysts estimate settlements for severe gastroparesis cases could range from $200,000 to $500,000, while vision loss (NAION) claims could exceed $1 million. Settlements for less severe but still impactful side effects may be significantly lower. Despite these estimates, the litigation is complex and likely to extend for several years.
Advice for Affected Individuals
- Maintain thorough medical records documenting any injuries or side effects related to Ozempic or other GLP-1 drugs.
- Consult with experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys to evaluate potential claims.
- Do not settle prematurely without reviewing the full scope of medical evidence and legal options.
Conclusion
The Ozempic class action lawsuit is one of the largest pharmaceutical litigations underway in 2025, reflecting growing concerns over GLP-1 drug safety. Its evolution will significantly influence drug labeling, patient safety protocols, and manufacturer accountability. While resolution remains years away, this MDL provides a centralized forum to address thousands of claims related to a widely prescribed and increasingly popular medication.
