Big Pharma is once again in the hot seat. According to a recent announcement by Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Mylan Inc., part of Viatris, has reached a settlement of up to $335 million after allegations of deceptively marketing opioids. The settlement, reached with multiple states, aims to address the company's role in exacerbating the opioid crisis.
In a statement highlighted by the Oregon Department of Justice, Rayfield called the settlement a "reckoning" and emphasized the importance of holding those who contributed to the opioid crisis accountable. Oregon leads the pack with over $4 million designated for opioid crisis abatement efforts, which are to be distributed among various initiatives and local communities.
The allegations against Mylan pointed to the company's marketing practices, wherein they pushed opioids like generic fentanyl patches and oxycodone, claiming they were less prone to abuse — despite evidence to the contrary. Specifically, their fentanyl patches have come under scrutiny for being notably susceptible to misuse.
