Pfizer Settles Zantac Cancer Lawsuits for $250 Million as India Uses Alternatives

New Delhi. Pfizer in its recent move has offered up to $250 million to settle Zantac cancer lawsuits, as reported by the Financial Times, which seems to be a significant development in addressing the legal challenges surrounding the popular heartburn medication.

According to the report, the deal was disclosed in a court filing in Delaware last week by the pharmaceutical company that was set to pay for the settlement of the lawsuits. Pfizer with this move is aimed at reducing Pfizer's potential liability.

Notably, Zantac was one of the first medications to reach $1 billion in yearly sales after receiving approval in 1983 and rising to the top of the global pharmaceutical sales charts in 1988.

But in 2020, the FDA in the United States ordered manufacturers to remove Zantac and its generic equivalents from the market after samples of the medication contained a chemical known to cause cancer, called NDMA.

Will this move give respite to Pfizer?

According to the sources, the settlement offer could potentially provide some resolution for individuals who have filed lawsuits claiming that Zantac, or its generic equivalent ranitidine, led to their development of cancer.

Is it removed from the essential list of medicines from India?

Ranitidine-based medications, including Rantac and Zinetac, were widely used in India for treating conditions like heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers. However, all these medications have been removed from the essential medicines list in India after concerns were raised about the presence of NDMA, a potential carcinogen, in some batches of ranitidine products in 2022.

The Indian regulatory authorities took swift action to address these concerns and ensure the safety of the public.

Notably, the salt has been under investigation since 2019 when the US-based Food and Drug Administration found probable cancer-causing impurity in the drug. The drug regulator found the cancer-causing impurity NDMA at unacceptable levels.

This decision underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures in the pharmaceutical industry and the prioritization of public health. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and monitoring of medications to detect any potential risks to consumers.

For individuals who rely on Rantac or Zinetac for managing their gastrointestinal conditions, it's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals to explore alternative treatment options that are both effective and safe. Fortunately, there are several alternative medications available for treating heartburn and acid reflux that do not carry the same potential risks associated with ranitidine-based products.