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Gardasil HPV Vaccine

OpenFAST
Pharma
100+
Total Cases

Causation

Plaintiffs allege Gardasil HPV vaccine triggers autoimmune and neurological injuries through molecular mimicry — the aluminum adjuvant (AAHS) and HPV L1 protein fragments provoke an aberrant immune response attacking the body own nervous system. Reported injuries include postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), premature ovarian failure (POF), small fiber neuropathy, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Plaintiffs allege Merck inadequately tested Gardasil, used an aluminum-containing placebo in clinical trials to mask adverse event rates, and failed to warn about autoimmune risks. Cases are filed in civil court (not VICP) under the theory that Merck committed fraud on the FDA.

Defendants

EntityRoleNote
Merck & Co., Inc.ManufacturerSole manufacturer of Gardasil and Gardasil 9 HPV vaccines
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.SubsidiaryMerck subsidiary — named in product liability claims

Litigation Timeline

Jun 2006
FDA approves Gardasil — first HPV vaccine
2014-2016
Reports of POTS and autoimmune injuries accumulate in VAERS database
Dec 2020
First civil lawsuits filed against Merck outside VICP
2022-2023
Plaintiff firms begin coordinated filing — approximately 100 cases
2024
Expert discovery and Daubert preparation underway
2025-2026
Pre-MDL coordination; bellwether selection anticipated

Intelligence Signals

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Key Facts

Status
active

Geographic Exposure

·W.D.N.C. (coordinated federal cases)
·Various state courts nationwide
·National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) — parallel track
·International litigation in Japan, Colombia, Ireland

Eligibility Criteria

  • Received Gardasil or Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine
  • Developed autoimmune disorder (POTS, CRPS, POF, small fiber neuropathy) after vaccination
  • Onset of symptoms within weeks to months of vaccination
  • No pre-existing autoimmune condition before vaccination