The ongoing litigation involving Ozempic, Wegovy, and other semaglutide-based medications is rapidly evolving as more patients come forward with claims of serious side effects. As of mid-2025, the multidistrict litigation (MDL) has grown to encompass over 1,800 pending cases, with thousands more under investigation. These lawsuits allege that manufacturers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risks associated with their blockbuster GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs. Below, LitPRO provides a comprehensive update on the litigation, key developments in 2025, and what law firms and claimants should know moving forward.
Background: The Rise of Semaglutide Drugs and Litigation
Ozempic (semaglutide), approved by the FDA in 2017 for type 2 diabetes management, quickly gained popularity for its secondary effect: significant weight loss. Its success led to the launch of Wegovy (a higher-dose semaglutide formulation) for chronic weight management, and similar drugs like Rybelsus, Trulicity, and Mounjaro. The surge in off-label use for weight loss among non-diabetics contributed to a dramatic increase in prescriptions—and, subsequently, in reports of adverse effects.
As the user base grew, so did reports of severe gastrointestinal complications (gastroparesis, ileus, bowel obstruction), gallbladder disease, and, more recently, vision loss due to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Plaintiffs allege that Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly failed to provide adequate warnings about these risks and, in some cases, actively misrepresented the safety profile of their drugs.
The Structure of the Litigation: MDL 3094
In February 2024, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated dozens of semaglutide lawsuits into MDL 3094 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This MDL, presided over by Judge Karen Spencer Marston, centralizes claims involving Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and related drugs to streamline pretrial proceedings, reduce duplicative discovery, and ensure consistent rulings.
As of May 2025, the MDL includes over 1,800 active cases, up from 346 in mid-2024, with projections suggesting the litigation could eventually involve tens of thousands of claimants as law firms continue to investigate new cases.
Key Legal Developments in 2025
1. Expansion of Injury Claims
While early lawsuits focused on severe gastrointestinal injuries—especially gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), ileus, and bowel obstruction—2025 has seen a surge in claims involving vision loss. A 2024 study in JAMA Ophthalmology and subsequent CDC data linked semaglutide use to NAION, a rare but serious optic nerve condition that can cause permanent blindness. Plaintiffs argue that Novo Nordisk failed to update Ozempic’s labeling to warn of this risk, despite mounting clinical evidence and adverse event reports.
2. Growth of the MDL and New Filings
The number of cases in MDL 3094 has grown rapidly, with more than 500 new cases filed between April and May 2025 alone. Plaintiff leadership has estimated that as many as 7,000 additional cases are under active investigation, reflecting the widespread use of these drugs and the broad range of alleged injuries.
3. Science Day and Rule 702 (Daubert) Hearings
A pivotal “Science Day” was held in June 2024, allowing both sides to present scientific and medical evidence regarding the alleged side effects of GLP-1 drugs. In May 2025, the court scheduled a Rule 702 (Daubert) hearing to determine the admissibility of expert testimony on causation—specifically, whether semaglutide can cause the injuries claimed by plaintiffs. The outcome of this hearing will be critical in shaping which claims proceed to trial and which may be dismissed for lack of scientific support.
4. Motions to Dismiss and Pretrial Challenges
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have sought to dismiss claims beyond failure to warn, such as those alleging design defects, fraud, and breach of warranty. Plaintiffs counter that the companies’ aggressive marketing—especially for off-label weight loss use—downplayed known risks and misled consumers. As of June 2025, Judge Marston had not yet ruled on these motions, but the decision will significantly impact the scope of the litigation moving forward.
5. Standardization of Case Filings
To manage the influx of new cases, the MDL adopted a short-form complaint process, making it easier for new plaintiffs to join the litigation and for the court to manage filings efficiently.
6. FDA and Regulatory Developments
In February 2025, the FDA removed Ozempic from its drug shortage list, citing improved supply. This change may lead to even greater use of semaglutide drugs and, consequently, more claims as new patients experience adverse effects. Meanwhile, ongoing regulatory scrutiny focuses on whether Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly should update their warnings and conduct further safety studies.
Injuries and Allegations in the Ozempic/Wegovy Litigation
Gastrointestinal Injuries
- Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
- Ileus (bowel obstruction)
- Severe, persistent vomiting
- Gallbladder disease
Vision Loss (NAION)
- Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- Sudden, sometimes permanent vision loss or blindness
Other Claims
- Blood clots (DVT, PE)
- Fraudulent marketing and misrepresentation
- Failure to warn of known or knowable risks
What’s Next: Bellwether Trials and Settlement Outlook
As of mid-2025, the litigation remains in the pretrial and discovery phase. The first bellwether trials are not expected until late 2026 or beyond, given the complexity and volume of cases. Settlement estimates for severe gastroparesis claims range from $250,000 to $700,000, while vision loss claims (NAION) could command even higher values, potentially exceeding $1 million due to the severity and permanence of the injury.
The outcome of the upcoming Daubert hearing will be a turning point, as the court’s decision on expert testimony will determine which injuries can be linked to semaglutide use in the eyes of the law. If plaintiffs’ experts are allowed to testify, the litigation may accelerate toward bellwether trials and potential global settlements. If not, many claims could be dismissed or significantly narrowed.
Implications for Patients and the Pharmaceutical Industry
For patients, the Ozempic, Wegovy, and semaglutide litigation is about more than compensation—it’s about holding manufacturers accountable for transparency and safety. Plaintiffs seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages. The litigation also puts pressure on pharmaceutical companies to improve post-market surveillance, update warning labels, and conduct more robust long-term safety studies.
For the pharmaceutical industry, the stakes are high. With billions of dollars in annual sales at risk, the outcome of this MDL could set new standards for drug safety disclosures and marketing practices, especially for medications that gain popularity for off-label uses.
The Importance of Lien Resolution in Mass Tort Litigation
As the Ozempic and Wegovy litigation grows, law firms representing injured plaintiffs must also navigate the complex world of healthcare lien resolution. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers often assert liens on settlements, and resolving these claims efficiently is critical to maximizing client recoveries and ensuring compliance.
Semaglutide Lawsuits and LitPRO
If your firm is handling Ozempic, Wegovy, or other semaglutide-related claims, don’t let the complexities of healthcare lien resolution slow your progress or jeopardize your clients’ recoveries. LitPRO specializes in mass tort lien resolution, providing tailored strategies, advanced technology, and expert support to streamline the process from intake to settlement.
Contact LitPRO today to learn how our lien resolution services can help you achieve optimal outcomes for your clients in the Ozempic and semaglutide litigation. Trust LitPRO to be your partner in efficient, compliant, and effective lien resolution—so you can focus on delivering justice for those harmed by dangerous drugs.
