Table of contents
- Latest Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Updates
- September 14, 2026: Rule 702 Hearing Begins in MDL 3094
- August 15, 2025: Judge Rules on Gastric Emptying Studies
- February 2, 2024: Panel Creates MDL 3094
- October 5, 2023: JAMA Research Letter Examines GLP-1 Drugs
- What Is Stomach Paralysis?
- Who May Be Affected?
- Reported Injuries or Damages
- Evidence to Preserve
- Filing Deadlines
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Does the Research Say About Rybelsus and Stomach Paralysis?
- What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Rybelsus?
- Do You Need a Gastric Emptying Test for a Rybelsus Claim?
- What Must Be Proven in a Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit?
- What Is Rybelsus Prescribed For?
- How Common Is Stomach Paralysis?
- Which Drugs Are Included in the Rybelsus MDL?
Rybelsus, the oral semaglutide tablet from Novo Nordisk, is named in federal lawsuits over gastroparesis, also called stomach paralysis, and other digestive injuries. Plaintiffs allege the drugmakers did not warn patients and doctors enough. The companies deny the allegations.
Rybelsus is one of several GLP-1 drugs in MDL 3094 before Judge Karen S. Marston in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The cases are in pretrial proceedings.
The MDL coordinates the cases and is not a class action. It included more than 2,400 cases as of August 15, 2025. A five-day hearing was set for September 2026. No settlement or trial date has been announced.
Latest Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Updates
September 14, 2026: Rule 702 Hearing Begins in MDL 3094
On September 14, 2026, Judge Karen S. Marston of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania began a five-day Rule 702 evidentiary hearing on cross-cutting issues 2 and 3 in the MDL that names Rybelsus [1].
The hearing was set to run through September 18, 2026. Judge Marston also holds monthly, in-person status conferences with leadership counsel.
August 15, 2025: Judge Rules on Gastric Emptying Studies
On August 15, 2025, Judge Marston issued a memorandum (Document 467) on the first cross-cutting issue in the MDL, which covered gastric emptying studies [2].
It concluded that a properly performed gastric emptying study is necessary to reliably diagnose gastroparesis other than temporary, drug-induced gastroparesis. The opinion describes the drug-induced type as temporary, which is not a finding about any plaintiff.
February 2, 2024: Panel Creates MDL 3094
On February 2, 2024, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued a transfer order creating MDL 3094. The Panel’s transfer order sent 17 actions to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, initially to Judge Gene E.K. Pratter [3].
The litigation covers Rybelsus, made by Novo Nordisk, and drugs made by Eli Lilly and Company. Judge Marston now presides over the MDL.
October 5, 2023: JAMA Research Letter Examines GLP-1 Drugs
On October 5, 2023, the JAMA research letter by Sodhi, Rezaeianzadeh, Kezouh and Etminan was published on weight-loss users of GLP-1 drugs [4].
It reported that GLP-1 agonists used for weight loss were linked to higher risks of pancreatitis, bowel obstruction and gastroparesis than bupropion-naltrexone. The study covered injectable products. It shows an association without proof of causation.
What Is Stomach Paralysis?
The NIDDK says gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, slows or stops food moving from your stomach to your small intestine [5].
You are more likely to get it if you have diabetes or had surgery that may injure the vagus nerve, says NIDDK. Rybelsus is a diabetes medicine, and the lawsuits allege GLP-1 drugs can also cause the condition.
Who May Be Affected?
People who were prescribed Rybelsus and later developed gastroparesis or another serious gastrointestinal injury may be affected. People who used other GLP-1 drugs in the MDL may also be affected, including users of Ozempic.
Our page on the Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit covers that drug. Only an individual legal review of your medical history and records can show whether your situation fits.
Reported Injuries or Damages
Plaintiffs in MDL 3094 allege gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal injuries from GLP-1 drugs, including Rybelsus. These are allegations, and the court has made no finding of liability.
The Rybelsus label on DailyMed was revised in January 2026 [6]. It says use “has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe.” Section 5.6 calls the drug “not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis.”
Postmarketing reports listed on the label include ileus and intestinal obstruction. Readers who used Wegovy can see our Wegovy stomach paralysis claims page.
The JAMA letter reported adjusted hazard ratios of 3.67 for gastroparesis, 4.22 for bowel obstruction and 9.09 for pancreatitis. It found no increased risk of biliary disease.
Evidence to Preserve
Keep these records and do not throw them away, because they may help show your Rybelsus use, your diagnosis and your treatment:
- Prescription and pharmacy records that show your Rybelsus use and the dates you took it.
- Gastric emptying study results and any other tests used to diagnose your digestive condition.
- Medical and hospital records for your digestive symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, with dates.
- A dated symptom diary describing what you felt, when it began and how it changed.
- Photographs or notes of any Rybelsus medication packaging that you still have at home.
- Communications with your prescribers and with the manufacturer about the medicine and your symptoms.
- Billing records and receipts that show the out-of-pocket costs of your care.
Filing Deadlines
State law sets the filing deadline, and your own time limit depends on where you live and on when the injury and the diagnosis happened to you.
A missed deadline can end a claim even when the facts are strong, so please speak with a lawyer promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does the Research Say About Rybelsus and Stomach Paralysis?
What the research says about Rybelsus and stomach paralysis starts with a 2023 JAMA letter. Its cohort used injectable weight-loss products, not Rybelsus tablets, and included 4144 liraglutide, 613 semaglutide and 654 bupropion-naltrexone users. The letter reports an association and does not prove causation.
What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Rybelsus?
The long-term side effects of Rybelsus are not set out on its label, which does not say the drug causes permanent gastroparesis. The court’s opinion notes most plaintiffs claim permanent or persistent gastroparesis. That is only an allegation.
Do You Need a Gastric Emptying Test for a Rybelsus Claim?
The court’s opinion addresses whether you need a gastric emptying test for a Rybelsus claim. It said the ruling will have “relatively little effect on the vast majority of the cases in this MDL.” Still, some plaintiffs will be unable to prove gastroparesis without a properly performed study.
What Must Be Proven in a Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit?
What must be proven in a Rybelsus stomach paralysis lawsuit depends on shared questions in the MDL. They ask whether the defendants knew or should have known their GLP-1 drugs can cause gastroparesis. They also ask whether the defendants warned plaintiffs or prescribers enough.
What Is Rybelsus Prescribed For?
Rybelsus is prescribed as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is also indicated to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes at high risk.
How Common Is Stomach Paralysis?
Stomach paralysis is not common, says NIDDK. Out of 100,000 people, about 10 men and about 40 women have gastroparesis.
Which Drugs Are Included in the Rybelsus MDL?
Eight GLP-1 drugs are at issue in the Rybelsus MDL. They are Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Victoza and Saxenda from Novo Nordisk, and Trulicity, Mounjaro and Zepbound from Eli Lilly.