The Zantac lawsuits have taken twists and turns, with setbacks in federal court and new trials in state court.
The Zantac cancer lawsuits have been anything but predictable. From major settlements to courtroom setbacks, plaintiffs and defendants have been trading wins and losses in a legal battle that has dragged on for years. The once-promising mass tort took a serious hit when a federal judge dismissed all federal Zantac claims. But that wasn’t the end of the story—far from it.
Now, the fight has moved to state courts in places like Delaware, California, and Illinois, where new trials, verdicts, and even settlements are shaping the future of this litigation. Here’s where things stand in 2025.
Key Lawsuit Updates: Big Wins, Bigger Losses
- March 14, 2025: GSK hit with a shareholder lawsuit alleging the company hid Zantac’s cancer risks for decades, misleading investors and patients alike.
- February 24, 2025: Boehringer Ingelheim scores a win in Illinois. A jury rejected claims linking Zantac to prostate cancer after a retrial. It’s the latest in a string of defense verdicts that have left plaintiffs frustrated.
- February 20, 2025: In the same trial, experts argued about whether Zantac’s cancer risks were real. Plaintiffs pointed out the drug wasn’t properly tested for NDMA before 2019—too little, too late.
- February 5, 2025: Boehringer’s corporate witness downplayed Zantac pill discoloration, calling it a cosmetic issue. Plaintiffs argued it was a sign of dangerous chemical instability, ignored for profit.
- October 9, 2024: GSK settled 80,000 cases for $2.2 billion. This resolved 93% of its claims but left other defendants like Boehringer still facing lawsuits.
- September 26, 2024: The first California Zantac trial opened, with Boehringer defending against claims of NDMA causing bladder cancer. The company blamed secondhand smoke and weight—not the drug.
Where Are We Now?
Boehringer is still in court, defending against tougher claims like bladder and liver cancer. Plaintiffs have yet to score a major trial win, but the game isn’t over. The strongest Zantac claims—bladder, stomach, and liver cancer—could still bring big jury verdicts, potentially shifting settlement amounts upwards.
Why Bladder and Liver Cancer Claims Matter Most
Not all Zantac claims are created equal. The science linking NDMA to bladder and liver cancer is solid, giving these cases the best chance for big payouts. Prostate and colorectal cancer claims? Those are harder to prove, and defense lawyers know it. That’s why they’re forcing those cases to trial, hoping to stack up more defense wins.
What’s at Stake for Plaintiffs
After the federal case dismissal, average Zantac settlement offers dropped to $20,000–$25,000 per claim—far lower than early estimates. But plaintiffs are hoping upcoming state court trials can reverse that trend.
A few major plaintiff verdicts could push settlements into six figures, especially in stronger cases. If not? Plaintiffs could remain stuck with lowball offers or risk going to trial.
Upcoming Trial Expectations
The Zantac lawsuits have been rocked by setbacks, but 2025 could still bring a turnaround. If plaintiffs start winning, especially in strong bladder cancer cases, expect settlement values to rise—and fast. Defendants know this. That’s why they’re settling some cases and fighting others.
For now, all eyes are on the upcoming trials. One big win could change everything.
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From Miller & Zois via the Lawsuit Information Center