Genentech, Inc., Herceptin (Trastuzumab) Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation
Trastuzumab, marketed as Herceptin, is a targeted therapy that inhibits the HER2 receptor, which is overexpressed in certain types of breast cancer. While effective, it carries risks of cardiotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity. The causation theory in MDL-2700 posits that Genentech's marketing and sales practices, potentially including issues with drug concentration or vial underfilling, led to or exacerbated these serious adverse effects in patients. Scientific literature confirms that trastuzumab can impair cardiac function by interfering with HER2 pathways crucial for cardiac cell survival, and can also lead to pulmonary issues. The risk is often associated with cumulative exposure, with adverse effects like cardiotoxicity developing after several treatment cycles.
13
Pending actions
15
Total actions filed
Active
Status
04/07/2016
Established
Filing deadline
The statute of limitations for filing claims related to this MDL is generally four years from the date of injury or diagnosis, with potential extensions due to discovery rules. Some court filings suggest that claims may need to be filed by late 2026 or early 2027 to be considered timely, though exceptions may apply based on individual circumstances.
Who qualifies
Plaintiffs typically qualify if they have suffered serious adverse effects from Herceptin (trastuzumab) administration, including cardiotoxicity, heart failure, pulmonary toxicity, and infusion reactions. The exposure criteria are generally linked to the drug's approved dosing schedules, which involve specific dosages administered over weeks to months. Prolonged or cumulative exposure is considered a factor in the development of adverse effects. The litigation also scrutinizes allegations related to the drug's concentration and potential vial underfilling.
Products involved
- Herceptin
- Trastuzumab
Bellwether trials
The bellwether trial schedule for MDL-2700 has seen ongoing case management and procedural developments. While specific trial dates are not explicitly listed in the most recent publicly available summaries, preliminary proceedings and filings have occurred, with some case management documents dated as recently as 2024. The Tenth Circuit has issued appellate decisions impacting the case's trajectory. As of the latest available information, no definitive verdicts have been publicly announced. Settlement estimates are varied, with some reports suggesting potential average case values ranging from $50 million to $150 million, though these are not confirmed figures and negotiations are ongoing. Specific filing deadlines or statutes of limitations generally allow for claims to be filed within four years of injury or diagnosis, with some exceptions based on discovery rules, suggesting potential filing windows extending into late 2026 or early 2027. However, precise, updated deadlines are subject to court orders and individual case circumstances.
Settlement landscape
While no definitive verdicts have been publicly announced, settlement estimates for cases within MDL-2700 suggest potential average case values ranging from $50 million to $150 million, depending on the specifics of each claim. These figures are not confirmed and reflect ongoing negotiations and market estimations.
This page is generated from the official JPML pending-MDL report and public court records, refreshed monthly. It is provided for attorney reference and is not legal advice.
