Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured $1.167 billion for the state out of the $26 billion opioid agreement with Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen, who are the nation’s three major pharmaceutical distributors. This marks over $1.89 billion that General Paxton has secured for Texas from the makers and distributors of opioids from a total of five finalized statewide opioid settlements.
The three pharmaceutical companies were sued for playing a role in creating and fueling the opioid epidemic nationwide. In July 2021, fifty-two states and territories signed the Global Prescription Opioid Litigation Settlement Act, which the agreement will continue to track.
“Texans have been devastated by the opioid crisis and it is important that this settlement is proportioned fairly among the communities that need it the most,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Pharmaceutical companies that have been at the root of the problem must be involved in not only changing their business practices to keep this tragic epidemic from taking more lives in the future, but also by providing treatment for those currently still struggling with opioid addiction.”
General Paxton worked closely with Texas County Judges and the Attorneys General of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee to complete the agreement.
“This is another step in holding companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis. Too many communities have dealt with incredible losses, and this settlement helps move us toward recovery,” said Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee. “I’m pleased that these funds will be distributed to counties and cities across the state to help fight this epidemic and begin the healing process for many people.”
Last July, when the settlement was initially proposed, Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen released a joint press release, stating: “While the companies strongly dispute the allegations made in these lawsuits, they believe the proposed settlement agreement and settlement process it establishes, which is outlined below, are important steps toward achieving broad resolution of governmental opioid claims and delivering meaningful relief to communities across the United States. The companies remain deeply concerned about the impact the opioid epidemic is having on individuals, families, and communities across the nation and are committed to being part of the solution.”
Just last week, Attorney General Paxton settled another opioid settlement with Teva pharmaceutical for $225 million, alleging that the company impacted Texans by way of improper marketing, causing the death of several thousand people every year. As a part of this settlement, Teva also had to contribute $75 million worth of the mediation Narcan, which is a drug that can reverse the effects of illegal street drugs including heroin and fentanyl.