REUTERS: A U.S. judge on Tuesday rejected efforts by major drugmakers, pharmacies and distributors to dismiss claims that they caused the nation's opioid crisis, clearing the way for a scheduled landmark trial even as he pushes for a nationwide settlement.
Polster also refused to dismiss civil conspiracy claims against drugmakers, pharmacies and distributors, and said federal law did not preempt much of the plaintiffs' case. Critics of the industry said opioid makers hid the addiction and abuse risks of prolonged use from consumers. J&J has said it will appeal an Oklahoma judge's Aug. 26 order that it pay US$572.1 million to that state for the company's role in the opioid epidemic.
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