The multidistrict litigation centers on claims that Suboxone film strips, used to treat opioid addiction, caused severe dental problems including tooth decay, tooth loss, and other oral health complications. The case consolidates hundreds of individual lawsuits against the manufacturers of the buprenorphine/naloxone medication.
Judge Calabrese's order followed a months-long effort to obtain medical records from healthcare providers who had treated plaintiffs. The court initially issued an order to show cause on February 10, 2026, requiring certain named providers to explain their non-compliance with record requests. When no representatives appeared at a February 25 hearing, Calabrese escalated the matter with a formal order to compel on February 27.
The compliance battle appeared to reach a turning point in March when defendants reported mixed results in their collection efforts. Some providers had finally produced the requested records, while others 'could not be served due to various reasons' and some 'may not have received the Order,' according to defendants' March 11 notice to the court.
Judge Calabrese initially withdrew the order to compel only as to certain providers who had demonstrated compliance or communication issues. However, the litigation took another turn on April 3 when defendants filed an amended notice stating 'there are no remaining issues related to the order to compel.'
The resolution of the records dispute removes a significant procedural hurdle in the MDL, which has been proceeding through discovery as plaintiffs seek to establish causation between Suboxone use and dental injuries. Medical records from treating providers are likely crucial evidence for both sides in establishing the timeline and severity of alleged dental damage.
While Judge Calabrese canceled the hearing specifically related to the records order, he noted that 'other proceedings on April 22, 2026 will proceed as scheduled,' indicating the broader case management schedule remains on track despite the compliance delays.