Wisner Baum Initiates Lawsuit Against Pharma Giants Over Antipsychotic Risks

In a significant legal action, Wisner Baum LLC has filed a lawsuit against pharmaceutical titans Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly, alleging that these companies concealed critical health risks associated with their widely prescribed antipsychotic medications, Risperdal (risperidone) and Zyprexa (olanzapine). The lawsuit, initiated on July 28, 2025, stems from claims made on behalf of Bridgett Brown, a California resident diagnosed with breast cancer after long-term use of these medications. The complaint accuses the companies of fraud, negligence, and failure to provide adequate warnings regarding the drugs’ potential link to breast cancer.

Historically, research has demonstrated a correlation between elevated prolactin levels and breast cancer since the 1970s, with more recent studies affirming that atypical antipsychotics are linked to hyperprolactinemia, a condition known to increase breast cancer risk. According to Monique Alarcon, an attorney at Wisner Baum, “The science has been clear for decades. These companies had a legal and ethical duty to inform patients and doctors—and they failed.”

The lawsuit claims that for over two decades, both Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly ignored internal data indicating their products significantly elevated prolactin levels, which were associated with increased breast cancer risks. Instead of issuing appropriate safety warnings, the companies allegedly concealed critical clinical trial data and promoted their drugs aggressively to vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. This marketing strategy transformed these medications into multi-billion-dollar blockbusters despite their initial approval for treating schizophrenia, which affects a significantly smaller portion of the population.

Attorney Conor Kennedy emphasized the undeniable connection between hyperprolactinemia caused by these medications and breast cancer, with incidence rates reportedly reaching as high as 76.4% for Olanzapine and 94.8% for Risperdal among users. The complaint alleges that had Brown and her physicians been adequately informed of these risks, they would have sought safer alternatives or avoided the medications altogether.

The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond individual cases, raising questions about pharmaceutical accountability and the ethics of drug marketing practices. The case, identified as Brown v. Johnson & Johnson et al. (Case No. 25CV119808), seeks both compensatory and punitive damages, highlighting the need for stricter regulations in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure patient safety and informed consent.

As Wisner Baum continues to advocate for individuals affected by these issues, the firm urges others who may have experienced similar health impacts from these medications to come forward. With a legacy of over $4 billion in verdicts and settlements, Wisner Baum aims not only for justice for individual clients but also for broader societal change in pharmaceutical practices and accountability. The firm remains committed to making the world safer and more just, emphasizing the importance of transparency in healthcare and corporate responsibility.

This case serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in the pharmaceutical industry, especially regarding the potential risks associated with commonly prescribed medications. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome could set significant precedents for future litigation and regulatory practices surrounding pharmaceutical safety and marketing ethics.