Second US state to sue pharmas over opioid epidemic

1 June 2017

Ohio is to become the second US state to sue the pharmaceutical industry over its role in the opioid epidemic currently facing America, after Mississippi.

Several counties in New York have also filed lawsuits. American lawmakers allege that irresponsible marketing practices on the part of pharmaceutical companies have led to the the current widespread problem of addiction to prescription painkillers and other opioids.

Ohio attorney general Mike DeWine said: "In 2014 alone, pharmaceutical companies spent $168 million through sales reps peddling prescription opioids to win over doctors with smooth pitches and glossy brochures that downplayed the risks of the medicines.”

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