What is the Valsartan lawsuit about?

Plaintiffs allege that generic valsartan contaminated with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen, caused cancer, and that manufacturers failed to ensure the drug was free of the impurity. As of mid-2026, roughly 1,340 cancer claims are consolidated in MDL 2875 (District of New Jersey). Bellwether cases were selected in late 2024 and the litigation is proceeding toward trial rather than settling.

What injuries are alleged in the Valsartan lawsuits?

Lawsuits allege liver cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer. These are allegations; a court has not found that Valsartan causes them.

Valsartan Cancer Lawsuit (NDMA recall)

valsartan · various generic manufacturers · updated June 2026

Certain generic valsartan blood-pressure pills were recalled after being found contaminated with NDMA, a probable carcinogen. Lawsuits allege the contamination caused cancer. (Brand-name Diovan was not part of the recall.)

This page is general information about ongoing litigation and FDA safety actions — not medical or legal advice, and not a statement that Valsartan caused any injury. Allegations described here are claims that have not been proven in court. Always consult a licensed professional.

What the lawsuits allege

Plaintiffs allege that generic valsartan contaminated with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen, caused cancer, and that manufacturers failed to ensure the drug was free of the impurity.

Liver cancer
Colorectal cancer
Stomach cancer

FDA action

Beginning in 2018, the FDA announced recalls of numerous generic valsartan products found to contain the probable carcinogen NDMA (and related nitrosamine impurities).

Where the litigation stands

As of mid-2026, roughly 1,340 cancer claims are consolidated in MDL 2875 (District of New Jersey). Bellwether cases were selected in late 2024 and the litigation is proceeding toward trial rather than settling.

Frequently asked

What is the Valsartan lawsuit about?: Plaintiffs allege that generic valsartan contaminated with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen, caused cancer, and that manufacturers failed to ensure the drug was free of the impurity. As of mid-2026, roughly 1,340 cancer claims are consolidated in MDL 2875 (District of New Jersey). Bellwether cases were selected in late 2024 and the litigation is proceeding toward trial rather than settling.
What injuries are alleged in the Valsartan lawsuits?: Lawsuits allege liver cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer. These are allegations; a court has not found that Valsartan causes them.
Has the FDA acted on Valsartan?: Beginning in 2018, the FDA announced recalls of numerous generic valsartan products found to contain the probable carcinogen NDMA (and related nitrosamine impurities).

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