What the Lawsuits Allege
The principal Allergan litigation involves the company Biocell textured breast implants and tissue expanders, which have been linked to breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL. It is important to be precise: BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer. It is a rare T-cell lymphoma that develops in the scar tissue surrounding a textured implant. Plaintiffs allege Allergan failed to ensure the product safety and failed to warn about this risk, with manufacturing-defect theories also central to the cases.
In July 2019, the FDA requested that Allergan recall its Biocell textured implants worldwide after finding that women with these implants were several times more likely to develop BIA-ALCL than those with other textured implants. A separate set of claims alleges non-cancer systemic injuries. The allegations are contested by Allergan.
The New Jersey MDL
The federal cases are consolidated as MDL-2921 in the District of New Jersey, with well over a thousand cases pending. The litigation has been actively managed, and courts have allowed plaintiffs experts to testify about the link between the Biocell implants and BIA-ALCL, an important evidentiary step. Parallel cases also proceed in New Jersey state court.
A first bellwether trial has been scheduled for 2026. Bellwether trials are test cases whose results often shape later settlement negotiations. As of this update, no bellwether verdict had yet been reached and no court-approved global settlement program existed, though some individual settlements have been reported.
Status and What It Means
Because there are no bellwether verdicts yet and no global settlement, there are no public benchmark figures for these cases, and case value remains unresolved across the litigation. Internationally, the picture is also mixed; for example, a large collective claim brought on behalf of tens of thousands of women in the Netherlands was rejected by a Dutch court in late 2025.
Eligibility generally centers on having received Allergan textured Biocell implants and a BIA-ALCL diagnosis, with a separate track for non-cancer injury claims. Because deadlines apply and the litigation is still developing, anyone affected should get an individual assessment rather than rely on any general figure.
How to Get Legal Help
If you or a family member fits the description here, a consultation with a lawyer who handles this specific litigation is the reliable next step. Deadlines vary and can be unforgiving, most of these firms offer a free review, and these cases are typically taken on contingency, so you pay nothing unless they recover for you.
To follow filings, trial outcomes, and any settlement news, bookmark this page and subscribe to LawsuitWatch alerts.
Free Legal Evaluation
Do You Qualify to File a Claim?
Our network of verified plaintiff attorneys offers free, no-obligation case evaluations. Contingency fee representation means you pay nothing unless you win.
Allergan Lawsuit: The Biocell Breast Implant Cases: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about this case and your legal options.
What is the Allergan lawsuit about?
Its principal litigation concerns Biocell textured breast implants linked to BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma that develops in scar tissue around the implant. Plaintiffs allege Allergan failed to ensure safety and to warn of the risk; Allergan contests the claims.
Is BIA-ALCL breast cancer?
No. BIA-ALCL is breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a rare T-cell lymphoma that forms in the scar tissue surrounding a textured implant. It is distinct from breast cancer.
Were the implants recalled?
Yes. In July 2019, the FDA requested that Allergan recall its Biocell textured implants worldwide after finding women with them were several times more likely to develop BIA-ALCL than those with other textured implants.
Where are the cases handled?
Federal cases are consolidated as MDL-2921 in the District of New Jersey, with well over a thousand pending, plus parallel cases in New Jersey state court. A first bellwether trial is scheduled for 2026.
Is there an Allergan settlement?
No court-approved global settlement existed as of this update, and with no bellwether verdicts yet there are no public benchmark figures, though some individual settlements have been reported. Eligibility centers on Biocell implants and a BIA-ALCL diagnosis.