GranuFlo, NaturaLyte Lawsuit Update: Status Conference Set

The initial status conference for the GranuFlo/NaturaLyte Multidistrict Litigation, MDL 2428, is scheduled for August 30.  Judge Douglas P. Woodlock is presiding over the litigation, which was established in April 2013 to centralize the numerous federal lawsuits involving Fresenius, the manufacturer of GranuFlo and NaturaLyte.  The status conference will allow the judge to meet with the attorneys involved in the litigation and organize the upcoming proceedings.

According to a July 29th judicial order, the first scheduling conference will take place in the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse in Boston, Massachusetts.

To date, there are over 300 actions pending in the GranuFlo/NaturaLyte MDL.  Plaintiffs allege that GranuFlo and NaturaLyte, acid concentrates used in kidney dialysis, caused serious injury and death in dialysis patients.  Specifically, plaintiffs claim that GranuFlo and NaturaLyte were defectively designed and manufactured, and that Fresenius knew or should have known of their alleged propensity to cause injury.  Additionally, plaintiffs allege that Fresenius failed to provide adequate instructions and warnings about the metabolic alkalosis caused by GranuFlo and NaturaLyte, which can result in low blood pressure, hypokalemia, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, cardiac arrhythmia, or cardiopulmonary arrest.

UPDATE:  On August 23, 2013, the Court rescheduled the initial status conference for September 27, 2013.

Internal Fresenius Memo Leaked to FDA

Complaints filed in the multidistrict litigation refer to an internal memo from Fresenius that was reportedly submitted anonymously to the FDA in March 2012.  The internal memo discussed the danger of alkalosis and cardiac arrest associated with GranuFlo and NaturaLyte based on a study of 941 patients who had suffered cardiac arrest in Fresenius dialysis clinics in 2010.  The FDA subsequently issued a Class 1 recall of GranuFlo and began an investigation to determine whether Fresenius violated federal law by failing to alert doctors and patients of the dangers associated with its products.

Injured by GranuFlo?

Our GranuFlo lawyers represent people nationwide who suffered injuries or lost a loved one following treatment with GranuFlo. If you believe GranuFlo caused or contributed to the development of heart problems in you or a loved one, including a sudden heart attack or cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary arrest, stroke, or arrhythmia, you may want to speak to a GranuFlo lawyer. Free and confidential consultations with our GranuFlo attorneys are available by filling out the form to your right or calling toll-free: (866) 981-4800.