Drug distributors, company settle with two Ohio counties in opioids case

AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson today announced a $215 million settlement with two Ohio counties that claimed their practices contributed to the opioid epidemic. The companies said they expect the funds to support treatment and other initiatives to combat the epidemic. A trial on the lawsuit, part of multi-district litigation against drug makers and others over their alleged role in the opioid crisis, began today.
 
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and its affiliates also announced a settlement agreement with the two Ohio counties, which includes $25 million in opioid treatment medication and $20 million in cash; and an agreement in principle with attorneys general from North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas and certain defendants on a global settlement framework.
 
“America’s hospitals and health systems have been on the frontlines caring for patients and families from the very beginning of the opioid epidemic,” said AHA Executive Vice President Tom Nickels. “The settlement announced today should ensure that a good portion of funds goes directly to the hospitals and health systems that have been and will continue to provide care to patients and their families for years to come. Doing otherwise risks repeating the mistakes of the national tobacco settlement, which too often failed to direct funds to those most in need.”