opioid epidemic News

Oklahoma Court Overturns $465M Opioid Judgment Against J&J

The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned a $465 million judgment against Johnson & Johnson in a lawsuit by the state alleging the drugmaker fueled the opioid epidemic through the deceptive marketing of painkillers. The decision marked the latest setback …

Court Weighs Drug Distributor’s Insurance Coverage Fight

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Supreme Court is deciding whether the insurance company for a drug distributor should be forced to provide a legal defense in the company’s fight against government lawsuits related to the opioid epidemic. Justices on …

Judge Will Approve Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Plan That Shields Sacklers

A U.S. judge said on Wednesday he would approve OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma LP’s bankruptcy reorganization plan, clearing a path to resolve thousands of opioid lawsuits and shielding the company’s wealthy Sackler family owners from future opioid litigation. Bankruptcy Judge …

Drugmakers, Pharmacies Next Targets for US Opioid Settlements

NEW YORK — With a $26 billion nationwide settlement in sight over claims that the three largest U.S. drug distributors and Johnson & Johnson helped fuel a nationwide opioid epidemic, state and local governments will soon turn their attention to …

Drug Distributors Settle New York Opioid Claims for Up to $1.18 Billion

NEW YORK, July 20 (Reuters) – The three largest U.S. drug distributors agreed mid-trial to pay up to $1.18 billion to settle claims by New York state and two of its biggest counties over their role in the nationwide opioid …

Hospitals Want Documents Public in Case Against Opioid Maker

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — More than 20 hospitals want a slew of documents from a drug manufacturer made public after a Tennessee judge ruled against the company without a trial in a lawsuit over the opioid epidemic, saying the company …

U.S. Justice Department Backs Extending Ban on Fentanyl Copycats

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Justice Department has signaled support for legislation to extend by seven months a ban on illegal copycat versions of fentanyl, the powerful synthetic painkiller that has helped fuel the nation’s opioid epidemic. Without action from Congress, …

Walmart Lawsuit Against U.S. Over Opioids Is Dismissed

A federal judge has dismissed Walmart Inc’s lawsuit seeking to preemptively block the U.S. government from blaming the world’s largest retailer for its alleged role in fueling the nation’s opioid crisis. U.S. District Judge Sean Jordan said the government had …

McKinsey to Pay $573 Million to Settle Claims Over Opioid Crisis Role — Source

Consulting firm McKinsey & Co has agreed to pay at least $573 million to resolve claims by 40-plus U.S. states related to its role in the opioid epidemic and advice it gave to OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, according to a …

Walmart Must Turn Over Files on Alleged Opioid Mishandling

Walmart Inc. must disclose some internal files related to alleged mishandling of opioid painkillers sold through the company’s in-store pharmacies, after a judge ruled in favor of investors who claim directors failed in their oversight. Two pension funds “quite clearly …