Angela Valadez vs. GlaxoSmithKline LLC, et al

Case Background

On January 17, 2023, Plaintiff Angela Valadez filed a product liability lawsuit in the Illinois Circuit Court, Cook County (Case number: 2023-L-000483). She alleged that her exposure to unsafe conditions, specifically products containing harmful carcinogens, led to her diagnosis of colon cancer.

Cause

Angela Valadez, a resident of Illinois, filed a product liability lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, against pharmaceutical companies GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Boehringer Ingelheim. The lawsuit centered on her allegations that the heartburn medication Zantac, along with its generic versions containing ranitidine, caused her colon cancer. Valadez claimed she regularly used over-the-counter Zantac or its generic versions from 1996 to 2014. She alleged that the drug manufacturers failed to ensure the safety of the medication and neglected to warn consumers about its dangerous contents, including nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a potent carcinogen linked to colon cancer.

Injuries

Valadez asserted that her prolonged exposure to NDMA in Zantac and its generic versions caused her colon cancer. She described debilitating symptoms that significantly impacted her quality of life. These symptoms required ongoing medical treatment and affected her daily activities, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

Damages

In her product liability lawsuit, Valadez sought $640 million in damages. She claimed compensation for her physical suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, and loss of enjoyment of life. She argued that the manufacturers’ negligence led to her health complications and financial burdens, severely affecting her quality of life due to colon cancer.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Angela Valadez
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Jason Allen Zweig | Nicole Corinne Berg |  Ashley Conrad Keller
  • Defendant(s): GlaxoSmithKline LLC | Boehringer Ingelheim Inc
    • Counsel for Defendants: Pro Se | Tarek Ismail

Claims

Valadez accused GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim of negligence, negligent misrepresentation, and failure to warn consumers about the health risks associated with their products. She argued that the companies, as former owners and manufacturers of Zantac and its ranitidine-based generics, knowingly failed to disclose the carcinogenic risks posed by NDMA. This case raised serious concerns about drug safety. It also highlighted issues of corporate accountability and consumer protection. Additionally, the case emphasized the potential dangers of products linked to colon cancer. It underscored the importance of transparency and ensuring consumer safety.

Defense

GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim denied the allegations. They argued that Valadez failed to provide reliable evidence showing she consistently used Zantac or its generic versions daily for 18 years. The companies maintained that her claims lacked factual support. They claimed the allegations were based solely on her personal statements. GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim also pointed out that no independent, credible scientific authority had established a link between Zantac and colon cancer. They noted that Valadez’s paid expert witnesses were the only ones supporting this connection. The companies argued that the lack of medical consensus weakened Valadez’s case. This raised doubts about the causation central to her product liability lawsuit.

Jury Verdict

On May 23, 2024, the jury delivered a verdict in favor of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Boehringer Ingelheim. The jury concluded that Zantac and its generic counterparts were not responsible for Angela Valadez’s colon cancer or the symptoms she experienced. After reviewing the evidence, the jury determined that Valadez had failed to prove a direct connection between the medication and her condition. As a result, the jury sided with the defendants.

Court Documents:

Documents are available for purchase upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com