Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced the state’s “first win” in its lawsuit against Pfizer over alleged false advertising of its COVID-19 jab.

“First win in Pfizer Case! Judge Crabtree has brought an end to Pfizer’s delaying tactic and ordered that the matter be returned to state court where enforcement of Kansas consumer protection law can once again move forward,” Kobach said.

“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. The case will proceed in state court, which is where a claim under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act belongs,” he continued.

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. The case will proceed in state court, which is where a claim under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act belongs.

— Kris W. Kobach (@KrisKobach1787) May 14, 2025

Per Kris Kobach’s office:

In June of 2024, Attorney General Kris W. Kobach filed suit against Pfizer, Inc. in Thomas County, Kansas, for violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act related to its claims of vaccine efficacy, safety, and particularly claims that its vaccine was safe for pregnant women and posed no risk for myocarditis or pericarditis. Despite this being a question of state law filed in state court, Pfizer attempted to postpone and frustrate the Attorney General’s enforcement action by taking the case out of state court and moving it to federal court. Judge Crabtree of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas has brought an end to Pfizer’s delaying tactic and ordered that the matter be returned to state court where it where enforcement of Kansas consumer protection law can once again move forward.

The Attorney General’s complaint alleged internal studies at Pfizer showed the potential for adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the company publicly marketed the vaccine as “safe and effective.” In July of last year, Pfizer removed the case from Thomas County to Federal District Court on jurisdictional grounds.

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Today’s ruling from the federal district court decisively finds in favor of Kansas’ arguments against Pfizer’s removal.

Children’s Health Defense: "Big Win: Court Rules Pfizer Can Be Sued for Deception"

"A federal judge just ruled that Kansas can sue Pfizer in state court over deceptive COVID vaccine marketing—marking a major blow to Big Pharma’s legal shield."https://t.co/iXKyqq0cM0

— Dr. Naomi Wolf. 8 NYT Bestsellers. DPhil, Poetry. (@naomirwolf) May 15, 2025

Per The Defender:

The state of Kansas can sue Pfizer in state court for misleading the public about its COVID-19 vaccines, a federal judge ruled today.

Pfizer tried to keep the case in federal court, arguing that the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act), which shields COVID-19 vaccine makers from liability for injuries caused by the vaccines, “completely preempts” consumer protection claims made by the state of Kansas.

Ray Flores, senior outside counsel for Children’s Health Defense (CHD), called the ruling a “major victory.”

“This first-of-its-kind ruling declares Pfizer’s deceptions aren’t afforded carte blanche treatment, as Mr. Bourla [CEO of Pfizer] probably assumed they’d be,” Flores said.

CHD General Counsel Kim Mack Rosenberg agreed. “This decision is important because it creates a viable path for Pfizer to potentially be held accountable for its wrongdoing on a massive scale.”

On June 17, 2024, Kansas sued Pfizer, alleging the pharmaceutical giant misled the public by marketing its COVID-19 vaccine as “safe and effective” while concealing known risks and critical data on limited effectiveness.

The lawsuit, filed by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach in the District Court of Thomas County, alleged that beginning in 2021, Pfizer covered up the fact that the vaccine was connected to serious adverse events, including myocarditis and pericarditis, failed pregnancies and deaths.

The complaint also alleged the company falsely claimed that its original vaccine retained high efficacy while knowing that efficacy waned over time and didn’t protect against new variants.

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