Second Valsartan Cancer Trials Set for Early 2026

Second Valsartan Cancer Trials Set for Early 2026

Introduction

As the first federal bellwether trial involving Valsartan cancer lawsuits approaches this fall, the U.S. District Judge overseeing the litigation has signaled that a second round of early trial cases may be ready for jury trials by January 2026.

While exact dates have not yet been confirmed for these additional cases, preparations are underway.

Over 1,300 Lawsuits Filed Against Valsartan Manufacturers

More than 1,300 product liability lawsuits have been filed in federal courts nationwide, alleging that users of the generic blood pressure medication Valsartan developed cancer due to contamination with carcinogenic chemicals. Reported cancer types include liver, stomach, colorectal, bladder, esophageal, and prostate cancers, among others.

Contamination Sparked 2018 Recalls

The litigation stems from widespread recalls issued in 2018 after several manufacturers of generic Valsartan discovered that changes to their production processes had led to contamination with probable human carcinogens such as NDMA and NDEA. These chemicals were linked to increased cancer risks, prompting regulatory action and legal claims.

Cases Consolidated in Federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)

Due to the similar nature of the claims, all federal lawsuits were centralized as part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The MDL is being overseen by a single judge to streamline pretrial proceedings, manage discovery, and coordinate the bellwether trial process.

Bellwether Trials Set to Begin in Fall 2025

To help evaluate how juries might respond to evidence and expert testimony that will be common across cases, the Court selected a small group of representative claims for early trial. The first bellwether trial is scheduled for September 2025 and is expected to serve as a key indicator for potential settlement negotiations.

Second Wave Trials Planned Amid Rising New Claims

As new lawsuits continue to be filed by patients recently diagnosed with cancer, the Court is preparing a second wave of bellwether trials. These trials would provide further insight into jury reactions and potentially encourage global settlement discussions. The Judge has asked the parties to have this next group of cases ready by January 2026.

Revised Deadlines for Discovery and Motions

On June 16, Special Master Thomas J. Vanaskie issued a revised schedule extending several deadlines. The close of fact discovery was moved to September 19, a month later than originally planned. Parties must file motions to exclude expert witnesses and request summary judgments by October 8. Rulings on these motions are expected in December.

Trial Selection and Pretrial Orders to Follow

Following the December rulings, both sides are expected to propose which Wave 2 cases should be tried first. A joint final pretrial order is tentatively scheduled for January 15, 2026, paving the way for additional trials to proceed later that year.

Potential Impact on Settlements and Future Trials

Although bellwether trial outcomes are not legally binding on other plaintiffs, they play a critical role in shaping settlement values. Jury verdicts from these trials may influence how much drug manufacturers are willing to offer in compensation. If no mass settlement is reached after the second wave, the Judge may begin remanding unresolved cases to individual federal courts for separate trials.