Pharmaceutical Companies

(Reuters) - State attorneys general on Wednesday unveiled a $26 billion settlement with the three largest U.S. drug distributors and Johnson & Johnson to resolve thousands of lawsuits by states and local governments over the companies' role in the country's opioid painkiller crisis.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—“The settlement announced today has the potential to help Ohioans turn the corner in our battle against opioids,” said Governor DeWine.

Ohio is one of several states that will share $26 billion dollars as part of a national opioid abuse settlement.

Ohio and other states reached a $26 billion settlement with the three largest drug distributors as well as manufacturer Johnson & Johnson that is expected surge cash into opioid treatment and prevention programs.

Ohio will receive $24.7 million as part of a $573 million settlement against a firm that promoted the sales of prescription painkillers, helping to fuel an opioid epidemic in Ohio and nationally that’s led to rising overdose deaths and increasing government costs to address addiction issues.

Law360 (May 28, 2021, 9:18 PM EDT) -- With the coronavirus crisis cooling down, a pressure cooker of opioid litigation is heating up with long-awaited trials across the country.

CVS Health Corp., Walgreens Boots Alliance and other pharmacy chains face mounting pressure to settle thousands of government lawsuits over their role in the U.S. opioid epidemic after a federal judge warned the companies they risk financial peril.

When Ashwani Sheoran showed up for early morning shifts at pharmacies in rural Michigan wearing his white Walmart smock, he often found customers waiting, desperate for bottles of pain pills.