Elmiron Lawsuit: Important Updates January 2021

The Elmiron Lawsuit is a relatively new mass tort lawsuit and is still in its early stages of development. However in the last few months things have begun to pick up speed and the case is making its way towards trial.

What Is The Case About?

If you don’t already know the basics of the case here are the important facts:

Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is medication that was introduced on the market in 1996. The manufacturer of the drug is Janssen Pharmaceuticals. The drug is used mainly to treat a condition called interstitial cystitis. This condition affects mostly women and causes chronic pain in the bladder and pelvis area.

From 2018 to 2019 five research studies were conducted which showed significant eye damage after using Elmiron. Specifically the research showed that Elmiron can be toxic to the retina causing vision damage and a number of other vision related problems. The specific type of injury Elmiron causes is called Pigmentary Maculopathy and is related to the macula of the eye.

No mention of eye damage was ever placed on the product warning label.  However on June 16, 2020 the company did change the warning label and added “retinal pigmentary changes.” as a possible side effect.  However for many this comes as too late.

Recent Case Updates

In November 2020 attorneys for many plaintiffs filed a motion seeking to consolidate the federal Elmiron cases. In December 2020 a Federal Judicial Panel transferred nearly 130 lawsuits to New Jersey brought against Janssen Pharmaceuticals for the drug Elmiron. In addition the  U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation appointed U.S. District Judge Brian Martinotti to oversee the lawsuits

“The JPML said that U.S. Judge Brian R. Martinotti is well-versed in the subtleties of complex, multidistrict litigation and that they're certain he'll set the litigation on a prudent course.” 

Law360

In January 2021Judge Brian approved a diverse group of attorneys to serve as lead counsel and on the plaintiff steering committee for consumers in the Elmiron Lawsuit. Consumers filed a motion early in January requesting that the committee reflect diversity along ethnic, racial and geographical lines.  In addition the consumers requested that the leadership team have diversity with gender.

Judge Brain repeatedly asked for diversity as it is widely expected that most of the plaintiffs in the Elmiron MDL will be women because the drug is used to treat a condition that affects women more than men.

If you or someone you know has been harmed by taking Elmiron, you may eligible to join the lawsuit.

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If you believe that you or a loved one were harmed by Elmiron, you may be entitled to compensation.