In response to the national crisis surrounding prescription painkiller misuse, over two thousand U.S. states, counties, and cities have initiated lawsuits against entities involved in the manufacturing or distribution of these medications. This year has seen a number of pivotal legal decisions and settlements, with significant developments taking place in Ohio. Here are some key updates from these legal actions
More Than $23 Billion Could Go Toward Addiction Treatment After Settlements
Ohio’s Cuyahoga and Summit countieshave finalized a settlement with pharmaceutical company Teva and drug distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson. These entities, including the pharmacy chain Walgreens, were implicated in the reckless distribution of medications that included prescription painkillers
Initially, this lawsuit aimed to set a precedent in holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the nationwide prescription painkiller crisis. On October 21, a settlement of $260 million was reached with the two counties.
The agreement includes a $215 million payment from the distributors to the counties. The distributors have stated their portion of the settlement will be allocated to fund addiction treatment, rehabilitation programs, and behavioral health services. Teva has agreed to a payment of $20 million in cash and will provide $25 million worth of Suboxone over three years.
Statement From Drugmaker Teva Discloses Global Settlement Framework
In an October 21 statement, Israel-based pharmaceutical company Teva announced not only its settlement with the Ohio counties, but “an agreement in principle” with attorneys general from North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas to reach “a global settlement framework.”
Under this non-admission of liability agreement, Teva would contribute up to 10 years’ supply of buprenorphine naloxone (sublingual tablets), valued at approximately $23 billion, to aid in the treatment of prescription painkiller addiction, benefiting individuals and communities adversely affected. Additionally, Teva would make a cash contribution of up to $250 million over 10 years.
Unanswered Questions Following Ohio’s Settlement
The settlements in Ohio’s Cuyahoga and Summit counties have brought hope to communities and families affected by prescription painkiller addiction, anticipating that the funds and supply of Suboxone will significantly aid in treatment efforts.
However, some experts express concerns that settling out of court leaves certain aspects of the crisis unaddressed:
- A trial verdict could have set a precedent affecting future lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies, potentially affirming the validity of such legal challenges.
- The absence of a trial in Ohio means some communities may secure settlements with pharmaceutical companies, while others may lack the support needed for addiction treatment.
- A comprehensive trial could have unveiled more about the operational practices of the manufacturers and distributors of prescription painkillers.
- The feasibility of reaching a nationwide or global settlement with the companies implicated in the crisis remains uncertain.
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