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A false advertising lawsuit filed by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach against Pfizer will move forward in state court after a federal judge ruled to return the case to Kansas jurisdiction.

Kobach’s office announced on May 14 that U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree granted the state’s request to remand the case, which Pfizer had previously moved to federal court. The lawsuit, originally filed in June 2024 in Thomas County, alleges Pfizer violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act by making misleading claims about the safety and effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine—especially for pregnant women and regarding the risks of myocarditis and pericarditis.

The Attorney General claims Pfizer marketed the vaccine as “safe and effective” despite internal data suggesting possible adverse effects.

Pfizer responded by noting the ruling only addresses where the case will be heard and may still be appealed. The company maintains that the lawsuit is without merit and says it will continue to actively defend itself.