In a significant move to address the opioid crisis that has ravaged the nation, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with a bipartisan collection of attorneys general, announced a hefty settlement with Amneal Pharmaceuticals. The drugmaker, a significant player in the opioid market, is known for producing generic opioid products. As reported by the Illinois Attorney General's Office, Amneal was responsible for distributing over 9 billion opioid pills between 2006 and 2019.
The agreement, which resolves investigations into the manufacturer's role in the opioid epidemic, requires Amneal to fork over more than $270 million to mitigate the damage done. Attorneys general accused the company of neglecting to monitor and report suspiciously large orders, a breach of federal law. The settlement in principle follows the office's previous efforts to hold accountable those companies that increased opioid prescriptions at the cost of public health.
In remarks made public, Raoul expressed the devastation of the crisis, pointing out that, "Too many families have lost loved ones to the opioid epidemic, and too many people have lost years of their lives to addiction." He further emphasized the need for companies implicated in the epidemic to offer recompense that would support treatment and recovery services. The settlement, as presented by Raoul, signifies progress in tackling the opioid issues that have troubled many families and individuals dependent on these substances.
As part of the settlement's terms, Amneal has agreed to pay $92.5 million in cash over ten years and supply up to $180 million worth of naloxone nasal spray, a medication crucial for treating overdoses. These substantial contributions will be distributed to the participating states and local governments, potentially offering a lifeline for those grappling with opioids. Illinois alone is poised to receive a sizable portion of these funds, with more than $1.3 billion in settlement funds expected by 2038, as stated by Raoul's office.
The multistate team that negotiated the settlement includes representatives from California, Delaware, New York, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia, coordinated by an executive committee spearheaded by Attorney General Raoul and his counterparts from Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, and Oregon. While the agreement is still in principle, its finalization promises substantial resources aimed at combating the long-running opioid crisis. For now, Raoul encourages anyone affected by opioid addiction to seek assistance through the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances, operational 24/7 at 833-2FINDHELP.
