Ozempic & GLP-1 Drug Lawsuit
(Gastroparesis & GI Injuries)
Federal litigation alleging GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro caused severe gastroparesis, intestinal blockages, and other gastrointestinal injuries without adequate warnings to patients and physicians.
Key Takeaways
- Over 3,300 cases pending as of May 2026 with 153% growth
- October 2025: FDA added gastroparesis warning to Ozempic label
- Vision loss claims now in separate MDL-3163
- Defendants include Novo Nordisk (Ozempic, Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (Mounjaro)
- First bellwether trials expected mid-2026
May 2026 Updates Latest
3,636 cases pending (3,580 total filed in MDL 3094) — rapid growth continues with hundreds of new filings monthly. Roughly 75% of complaints allege gastroparesis/stomach paralysis, 18% ileus, and 8% gallbladder injuries. Judge Karen S. Marston continues to require objective diagnostic testing for gastroparesis claims, and the post-CMO 23 schedule has now moved past expert depositions and the April 28, 2026 Daubert motions deadline.
Summary judgment briefing continues through July 2026. Bellwether trial selection is still expected around mid-2026, with first trials possible in late 2026 and mass settlements considered unlikely before late 2027. A separate MDL-3163 handles NAION vision-loss claims, now at 73 cases. Legal analysts estimate total liability across both MDLs could exceed $2 billion. No settlements have been announced.
Key Facts (May 2026)
| Pending Actions | 3,636+ cases in federal MDL |
| Total Actions Filed | 3,670+ cases |
| Key Defendants | Novo Nordisk Inc./A/S, Eli Lilly and Company |
| Presiding Judge | Hon. Karen S. Marston (E.D. Pennsylvania) |
| MDL Created | February 2024 |
| JAMA Study (Oct 2023) | Increased risk of gastroparesis and bowel obstruction (PMID: 37796527) |
| FDA Label Update | October 2025: "Not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis" |
| Can You Still File? | Yes, lawsuits are actively being filed |
Rapid Case Growth
This MDL is growing rapidly as patients report gastroparesis and GI injuries from GLP-1 drugs. Case count has more than doubled, growing 173% since January 2025.
Source: JPML MDL Statistics Reports, February 2025-May 2026
JAMA GI Study (October 2023)
A study by Sodhi et al. found that patients using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss had significantly increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse events:
Source: Sodhi M, et al. JAMA. 2023;330(18):1795-1797 (PMID: 37796527)
1 What Is This Lawsuit About?
Thousands of patients are suing the makers of popular GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, alleging these medications caused severe gastrointestinal injuries that were not adequately disclosed. The drugs include Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus (Novo Nordisk) and Mounjaro, Zepbound, Trulicity (Eli Lilly). Vision loss claims are now handled by a separate MDL-3163.
GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking a natural hormone that stimulates insulin release and delays gastric emptying. While delayed stomach emptying is a known mechanism of action, plaintiffs allege manufacturers failed to warn that this can progress to severe, persistent gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), intestinal blockages, and other serious complications.
2 Alleged Injuries & Complications
Plaintiffs allege these drugs caused serious injuries that were not adequately warned about on product labels until after thousands of patients were harmed.
Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis)
A disorder that slows or stops food movement from the stomach to the small intestine. Symptoms include severe nausea, vomiting, bloating, and malnutrition. Per NIDDK, diagnosis requires gastric emptying study showing >10% retention at 4 hours.
October 2025 FDA Label Update: "OZEMPIC is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis."
Ileus & Intestinal Obstruction
The FDA-approved label lists "ileus, intestinal obstruction, small intestinal obstruction" as postmarketing adverse events. These conditions can require emergency surgery and be life-threatening.
NAION / Vision Loss Claims
Vision loss (NAION) claims are now handled by a separate MDL-3163, created December 2025 and also assigned to Judge Marston.
View Vision Loss MDL (MDL-3163)Acute Pancreatitis
The FDA label warns: "Acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists."
Other Reported Adverse Events
3 Why Two GLP-1 MDLs?
In December 2025, the JPML created a separate MDL-3163 for vision loss (NAION) claims rather than adding them to this MDL. Here's how they differ:
| Factor | MDL-3094 (This Page) | MDL-3163 (Vision) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Injuries | Gastroparesis, ileus, intestinal obstruction | NAION, sudden vision loss, blindness |
| Case Count | ~3,300+ cases | ~54 cases |
| Established | February 2024 | December 2025 |
| Expert Type | Gastroenterology | Ophthalmology, Neuro-ophthalmology |
| FDA Warning | Oct 2025: Gastroparesis warning added | No U.S. warning |
4 Products Involved in the Litigation
Novo Nordisk Products
Eli Lilly Products
Note: Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
5 Regulatory & Litigation Timeline
First semaglutide product approved for Type 2 diabetes. GI side effects listed but gastroparesis risk language limited.
Higher-dose semaglutide approved for chronic weight management, dramatically expanding patient population.
FDA updates label to include warning for ileus (intestinal paralysis) based on postmarketing reports.
Sodhi et al. publish research showing increased risk of gastroparesis, bowel obstruction, and pancreatitis with GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.
JPML creates GLP-1 MDL in Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Initially assigned to Judge Pratter.
Harvard/Mass Eye and Ear study finds 4-7x higher risk of vision loss (NAION) in semaglutide users.
Court holds Science Day to understand GLP-1 mechanisms and gastroparesis diagnosis issues.
FDA updates label warning about aspiration risk during general anesthesia due to delayed gastric emptying.
Judge Marston issues major ruling on gastroparesis diagnosis requirements after 3,700+ pages of briefing and evidentiary hearings.
Label updated: "OZEMPIC is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis."
Separate MDL created for vision loss (NAION) claims, also assigned to Judge Marston in E.D. Pennsylvania.
6 Do You Qualify for Compensation?
You may be eligible to file a claim if you meet these criteria:
Eligibility Requirements
- Took a GLP-1 drug — Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Trulicity, Victoza, Saxenda, or similar
- Experienced a qualifying injury — Gastroparesis (with gastric emptying study), intestinal obstruction/ileus, severe pancreatitis, or other serious GI complications
- Medical documentation — Records showing drug use and diagnosis of the qualifying condition
- Within statute of limitations — Generally 2-3 years from injury discovery, varies by state
7 Frequently Asked Questions
What is gastroparesis and how is it diagnosed?
Doesn't the drug label warn about delayed gastric emptying?
What's the difference between MDL-3094 and MDL-3163?
Are compounded/generic semaglutide products included?
When will bellwether trials begin?
What about the thyroid cancer boxed warning?
Sources & References
9 official sources cited• Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) — Official MDL statistics
• FDA DailyMed/NIH National Library of Medicine — Ozempic Prescribing Information (October 2025)
• Hathaway JT, et al. "Risk of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Patients Prescribed Semaglutide." JAMA Ophthalmol. 2024;142(8):732-739 (PMID: 38958939)
• Sodhi M, et al. "Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss." JAMA. 2023;330(18):1795-1797 (PMID: 37796527)
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) — Gastroparesis information
• FDA Drugs@FDA Database — Drug approval histories and supplements
• CDC National Diabetes Statistics Report (May 2024)
• FDA.gov — "FDA's Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss" (September 2025)
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania — MDL-3094 docket
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Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Past settlement amounts and case outcomes do not guarantee similar results in your case. If you believe you have a legal claim, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can evaluate your specific situation.