For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Contact: Nazneen Ahmed
919-716-0060
(RALEIGH) Attorney General Josh Stein today announced that he has finalized $6.6 billion in agreements with opioid makers Teva and Allergan over allegations that the companies contributed to the opioid crisis by overstating the benefits of opioids, downplaying the risk of addiction, and failing to maintain effective controls to prevent opioid diversion.
“These settlements are just the latest step in our dogged pursuit of justice on behalf of people whose lives have been torn apart by opioid addiction,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “I am proud to work alongside my colleagues around the nation to secure desperately needed resources. We are delivering significant funds to help people get the treatment and recovery services they need, and we’re not done yet.”
Attorney General Stein announced preliminary agreements with Teva and Allergan in July 2022. State attorneys general on the executive committee, attorneys representing local governments, and the companies have now agreed to final settlement terms, which are now being sent to other states for review and approval. The parties are optimistic that the settlement will gain substantial state support by the end of 2022, allowing local governments to join the deal during the first quarter of 2023.
North Carolina’s share of these settlements is at least $188 million to be paid over 13 years. The settlements will also require Teva’s opioid business to provide stringent injunctive relief that, among other things, will prevent all opioid marketing and ensure systems are in place to prevent drug misuse. Additionally, Allergan is required to stop selling opioids for the next 10 years.
The negotiations are being led by North Carolina, Iowa, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
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