The state of Mississippi has filed a lawsuit against drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers, alleging that opioids were over-prescribed, contributing to what is described as “the worst man-made epidemic in modern medical history.” The suit names 13 companies as defendants, including pharmacy benefit managers who played a central role in facilitating the oversupply of opioids, according to the lawsuit. Opioids have been linked to about 800,000 deaths in the U.S. since 1999, with most involving illicitly produced fentanyl. The lawsuit is part of a larger trend of lawsuits and settlements between states, local governments, and Native American tribal governments and various parties involved in the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of opioids.
Mississippi has already reached settlements with more than a dozen companies involved in the opioid crisis, including pharmacy chains, which are set to provide the state with over $367 million over the next 18 years. Attorney General Lynn Fitch stated that she is requesting lawmakers to use the settlement money to meet abatement requirements in the agreements, repair damage from opioids, and mitigate future harm through prevention, treatment, and education efforts. The opioid epidemic has had devastating effects on communities across the country, and these settlements aim to provide some relief and accountability for the companies involved.
Pharmacy benefit managers play a crucial role in determining which drugs are covered by prescription drug plans and where patients can fill their prescriptions. The Mississippi lawsuit alleges that these managers intentionally inserted themselves into the chain of distribution and dispensing of prescription opioids, contributing to the oversupply of these drugs. The opioid crisis has led to numerous deaths and addiction cases, prompting legal action against those believed to have played a part in fueling the epidemic.
Recent settlements of opioid-related lawsuits have seen drugmakers, wholesalers, and pharmacies agreeing to pay billions of dollars to various governments to resolve claims related to their roles in the opioid crisis. These settlements often come with requirements for better monitoring of prescriptions and public disclosure of company documents. With over 100 settlements occurring in the past decade, the total amount paid by these companies could exceed $50 billion over nearly two decades. The legal actions seek to hold these companies accountable for their roles in the crisis and provide funding for addressing the damage caused by opioids.
The state of Mississippi’s lawsuit is part of a broader effort to address the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic and seek justice for those affected. By holding drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers accountable for their alleged role in over-prescribing opioids, the state aims to prevent future harm and provide support for those struggling with addiction. The settlements reached with various companies involved in the opioid crisis are a step towards addressing the root causes of the epidemic and providing resources for communities to combat the ongoing challenges posed by opioid addiction. The legal actions taken by Mississippi and other entities signal a commitment to seeking justice and accountability in the wake of one of the most significant public health crises in recent history.
