A federal judge has ruled that a false advertising lawsuit against Pfizer, filed by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, will proceed at the state level, as new scrutiny mounts in Washington over allegations that the pharmaceutical giant may have delayed releasing COVID-19 vaccine trial data ahead of the 2020 presidential election.
Kobach’s office announced Wednesday that U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree granted Kansas’ motion to remand the case back to Thomas County District Court. “This victory is the first step in bringing justice to the Kansans who were misled by the false statements made by Pfizer regarding the health risks of its COVID vaccine,” said Kobach. “The case will now proceed in state court, which is where a claim under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act belongs.”
The lawsuit, originally filed in June 2024, accuses Pfizer of violating the state’s consumer protection laws through claims about the vaccine’s efficacy and safety—especially statements that it was safe for pregnant women and posed no risk of myocarditis or pericarditis. Court documents show Pfizer had moved the case to federal court, but that decision has now been reversed.
The AG’s complaint cites internal Pfizer studies that revealed potential risks, contradicting the company’s public messaging that the vaccine was “safe and effective.” Pfizer, in response, said the ruling only addresses jurisdiction and intends to appeal. “We believe the state’s claims are meritless and will vigorously defend against them,” the company said.
As the state case moves forward, lawmakers in Washington are separately investigating whether Pfizer intentionally withheld vaccine trial data in the lead-up to the 2020 election. A new letter from the House Judiciary Committee points to statements by former Pfizer scientist Philip Dormitzer, who allegedly told colleagues in 2024 that he participated in efforts to “deliberately slow down” testing and expressed fears of legal consequences, even seeking reassignment to Canada.
The committee is now requesting documents and testimony from both Dormitzer and Pfizer.
Read the full remand order.
Read the letter from Jim Jordan.
