Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and related affiliates of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, and the state of Oklahoma, have entered into an agreement for a one-time payment of $85 million to the state. The settlement resolves the state’s claims against Teva.
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter had accused Teva Pharmaceuticals of creating a public nuisance through its production and marketing of opioids. In a statement from Teva, “the settlement does not establish any wrongdoing on the part of the company; Teva has not contributed to the abuse of opioids in Oklahoma in any way.”
“Today’s announcement is a testament to the state’s legal team’s countless hours and resources preparing for this trial and their dedication and resolve to hold the defendants in this case accountable for the ongoing opioid overdose and addiction epidemic that continues to claim thousands of lives each year,” Attorney General Hunter said. “Nearly all Oklahomans have been negatively impacted by this deadly crisis and we look forward to Tuesday, where we will prove our case against Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries.”
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While the company has long stated that the courtroom is not a place to address the crisis, Teva is pleased to put the Oklahoma case behind it and remains prepared to defend claims against the company, including the upcoming federal court trial in Cleveland where the majority of the cases are pending.
Oklahoma’s trial against the remaining defendant, Johnson & Johnson, is still set in Cleveland County. The case will be heard by Cleveland County District Judge Thad Balkman.
The state will allocate the payment made by Teva at its discretion including for payment of its fees and costs in connection with this settlement.
“Teva recognizes the devastating impact to communities across the U.S. as a result of illegal drug use and the misuse and abuse of opioids that are available legally by prescription. Teva continues to advocate for collaborative solutions throughout the country,” Teva said in their released statement.