News & Updates

GLP-1 / Ozempic MDL explodes — second docket opens for vision claims: The GLP-1 drug MDL has surpassed 3,191 pending actions (+130% YoY) for gastroparesis claims, while a brand-new MDL (No. 3176) was established in December 2025 for nearly 2,947 lawsuits alleging GLP-1 drugs caused non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION, or vision loss).

Depo-Provera MDL rapidly expands: MDL-3140 for Depo-Provera has grown to over 2,100 cases in just months, with plaintiffs alleging the contraceptive injection caused meningioma brain tumors — making it one of the fastest-growing MDLs in the federal system this year.

J&J Talc mediator appointed as litigation accelerates: With J&J's third bankruptcy attempt rejected and over 66,000 talc cases active in MDL 2738, veteran mediator Fouad Kurdi has been appointed to facilitate settlement talks — seen as a significant step toward a multi-billion-dollar resolution.

Hair Relaxer MDL at critical Daubert juncture: Expert testimony motions were due April 1 in the hair relaxer MDL, with rulings expected to determine whether the docket's 10,948+ cases can survive summary judgment and proceed toward trial.

J&J talcum powder settlement talks set for tomorrow: With over 66,000 active cases in MDL 2738 — up 4,000 in just the past month — parties in the Johnson & Johnson talcum powder litigation are scheduled to meet April 13 for court-ordered settlement discussions. Mediator Fouad Kurdi, a veteran of multi-billion-dollar mass tort resolutions, has been appointed with full authority to oversee negotiations.

Hair relaxer MDL expert rulings imminent: Daubert motions in the hair relaxer MDL were heard April 1, 2026. The court's expert testimony rulings will determine whether the MDL's nearly 11,000 pending cases survive summary judgment — a pivotal moment for plaintiffs alleging cancer links to relaxer chemicals.

Depo-Provera claims gaining momentum: Lawsuits linking the contraceptive injection Depo-Provera to meningioma brain tumors are emerging as one of the most closely watched new tort categories, with cases relying on neuroimaging studies and medication histories to establish causation.

Sports betting apps: the next mass tort frontier?: Plaintiffs' attorneys are increasingly targeting mobile sports betting platforms for allegedly predatory app design that fosters gambling addiction — a new category of consumer technology tort that legal observers say could expand rapidly in 2026.

Hair relaxer Daubert ruling due: Expert testimony motions in the hair relaxer MDL were scheduled for April 1, 2026 — a pivotal ruling that will determine the fate of nearly 11,000 pending cases.

NEC baby formula trials ahead: With 750+ federal cases, bellwether trials are scheduled for August, November 2026, and February 2027, making this one of the most closely watched emerging MDLs of the year.

199,000 cases pending in MDLs: As of March 2026, U.S. MDLs hold roughly 199,000 active cases across 704,000 total filings, led by J&J talcum powder (67,100 cases) and Davol/C.R. Bard hernia mesh (23,600 cases).

Social media trial underway: The first state bellwether trial in the social media addiction MDL (KGM v. Meta & YouTube) began jury selection January 27, with the plaintiff's case-in-chief presented in March 2026.

GLP-1 drug litigation surging: Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against makers of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Trulicity, alleging failure to warn about serious side effects including gastroparesis and vision injuries — one of the fastest-growing new tort categories.

J&J talc bankruptcy blocked again: J&J's third attempt to use bankruptcy to resolve its talcum powder MDL was rejected, forcing the case back into federal court and increasing pressure on the company to negotiate a global settlement.

Paragard IUD bellwether trials set: The Paragard IUD MDL in Georgia is moving toward bellwether trials in 2026, with failure-to-warn claims surviving after a judge dismissed some design defect theories.

Social media addiction trial underway: The first state bellwether trial in MDL 3047 (KGM v. Meta & YouTube) kicked off February 10, 2026. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified, and the case is being closely watched as a bellwether for thousands of pending claims.