Focus keyword: VSL#3 settlement URL slug: /vsl3-probiotic-settlement/ Category: Class Action Settlements Meta title: VSL#3 Probiotic Settlement: Up to $800 — Claim Deadline October 20, 2026 Meta description: Did you buy VSL#3 probiotics between June 2016 and June 2019? You may claim up to $800 with receipts or $20 without from the $20M false advertising settlement.
If you purchased VSL#3 probiotic supplements between June 2016 and June 2019, you may be entitled to up to $800 in the $20 million VSL#3 false advertising settlement. The claim deadline is October 20, 2026, and you do not need a receipt to file.
VSL#3 Settlement Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Settlement fund | $20,000,000 |
| Case name | Starr et al. v. VSL Pharmaceuticals, Inc. et al. |
| Case number | 8:19-cv-02173-LKG |
| Court | U.S. District Court, District of Maryland |
| Defendants | VSL Pharmaceuticals Inc., Leadiant Biosciences Inc., Alfasigma USA Inc. |
| Claim deadline | October 20, 2026 |
| Final approval hearing | January 6, 2027 |
| Administrator | Angeion Group |
| Official site | vsl3lawsuit.com |
What Is This Settlement About?
The lawsuit alleged that VSL Pharmaceuticals and its related companies falsely advertised VSL#3, a high-potency probiotic supplement often marketed to people with digestive conditions including irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. Plaintiffs argued the companies misrepresented the clinical effectiveness of the product and that consumers overpaid as a result.
A central part of the dispute involves an alleged change to the VSL#3 formula. The original formulation was developed by researcher Claudio De Simone, who later parted ways with VSL Pharmaceuticals. Plaintiffs alleged the product sold under the VSL#3 name after the split used a different, less effective formula while continuing to reference clinical studies conducted on the original formulation. Defendants deny all allegations of wrongdoing.
The settlement covers purchases made between June 1, 2016, and June 19, 2019.
Who Qualifies?
You qualify if you purchased VSL#3 probiotic in the United States between June 1, 2016, and June 19, 2019.
VSL#3 was sold at pharmacies, specialty health stores, and online retailers. The product came in various forms including sachets, capsules, and medical food versions. All formulations sold during the class period are covered.
You do not need to prove you experienced any health issue or adverse outcome from the product. The claim is based on alleged overpayment due to false advertising.
How Much Will You Receive?
The settlement offers two tiers based on whether you have documentation:
Without proof of purchase: $20 per household, regardless of how many bottles you bought.
With proof of purchase: Up to $800 per household, calculated at $20 per unit (up to 40 units). If you have receipts showing more than 40 units purchased, your claim is still capped at $800.
There is an upside built into the settlement: if total valid claims come in low, the per-unit amount may increase to $60, raising the maximum to $2,400 for claimants with proof of purchase for 40 units.
Payments are expected to be distributed within 90 days after the court grants final approval. The final approval hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2027.
How to File a Claim
- Go to vsl3lawsuit.com, the official claims website.
- Complete the claim form online, or download and print the PDF to mail it.
- If you have receipts or records, gather them to maximize your payout.
- Mail option: VSL#3 Class Action, c/o Settlement Administrator, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (postmarked by October 20, 2026).
- Submit by October 20, 2026.
Filing is free. You do not need an attorney.
What Counts as Proof of Purchase?
Qualifying documentation includes:
- Store receipts or pharmacy receipts
- Credit card or bank statements showing the purchase
- Online order confirmations or shipping emails from Amazon, CVS, Walgreens, or other retailers
- Insurance or HSA/FSA reimbursement records if VSL#3 was covered
If you subscribed to auto-ship or ordered directly from the manufacturer during the class period, check your email for order confirmations. Those count as valid documentation.
Is VSL#3 Still Being Sold?
Yes, two competing products currently use the VSL#3 formulation name or related branding. VSL#3 branded products continue to be sold by the defendants, and a separate product called Visbiome is marketed by ExeGi Pharma as using the original De Simone formulation. This settlement concerns only purchases made between June 2016 and June 2019, and does not affect the current sale or use of either product.
Is This Settlement Legitimate?
Yes. The case is pending in U.S. federal court in Maryland, and the settlement administrator is Angeion Group, the same firm administering the RealPage Rent Settlement. The official site is vsl3lawsuit.com.
Watch out for any third-party websites claiming to file on your behalf for a fee. Filing is always free through vsl3lawsuit.com. For guidance on spotting fraudulent settlement notices, see our guide on class action settlement scams.
For more on how settlements like this work and what to expect after filing, see our guide on how class action settlements work.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the VSL#3 settlement deadline?
The claim deadline is October 20, 2026. Online submissions and mailed forms postmarked by that date are both accepted.
How much can I get without a receipt?
You can receive $20 per household without any proof of purchase.
How much can I get with receipts?
Up to $800 per household ($20 per unit for up to 40 units). If claims are low, this may increase to up to $2,400 ($60 per unit).
What years of purchase qualify?
Purchases made between June 1, 2016, and June 19, 2019, qualify. Purchases outside that window are not covered.
Do I need to have experienced a health problem to file?
No. The claim is based on alleged overpayment for a falsely advertised product, not personal injury or adverse health effects.
Who are the defendants?
VSL Pharmaceuticals Inc., Leadiant Biosciences Inc., and Alfasigma USA Inc. All deny wrongdoing.
When will payments be sent?
Within 90 days after the court grants final approval. The final approval hearing is January 6, 2027, meaning payments could arrive in early to mid 2027 if there are no appeals. See our guide on how long settlement payments take for more detail.
Is there a limit on how many claims per household?
Yes. The cap is per household, not per person. Multiple family members in the same household file a single claim together.
Bottom Line
If you bought VSL#3 probiotic supplements between June 2016 and June 2019, this $20 million settlement entitles you to at least $20 with no documentation, and up to $800 if you have receipts. The deadline is October 20, 2026. File at vsl3lawsuit.com before it closes.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Settlement terms and eligibility requirements are set by the court and the claims administrator and may change. Verify current details at the official settlement website.
