Attorney General Kwame Raoul has secured substantial settlements from eight pharmaceutical manufacturers implicated in the opioid crisis, as reported by the Illinois Attorney General's Office. Collectively, the companies will pay approximately $720 million, with Illinois set to receive over $23 million of these funds. "As long as Illinois families continue to experience the devastating impacts of opioid addiction, my office will continue to work with other attorneys general to hold companies responsible for fueling the opioid crisis," said Raoul in a statement obtained by the Illinois Attorney General's Office.
The systemic scourge of opioid addiction has gripped countless communities, and these settlements represent a concerted effort to address the harm wrought nationwide. The eight manufacturers, with Mylan (now part of Viatris) being the largest contributor, will disburse payments over varying periods, with some committing to one-year payouts and others extending their remittance to a span of ten years. Moreover, Provisions in the settlements prevent seven of the companies from promoting opioids and cap the oxycodone content in their products.
All the settlements were negotiated by Illinois together with California, Colorado, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia, highlighting a collaborative effort to tackle a crisis that knows no borders. Besides the financial restitution, several settlements will allow states to choose between receiving free pharmaceutical products or cash equivalent, as detailed by the Illinois Attorney General's Office.
Funds from the settlement are earmarked for minimizing opioid use disorder's impact, breaking the cycle of addiction that has left indelible scars on communities and individuals alike. The national investigations and litigation against the opioid industry have accumulated over $50 billion, with Illinois securing approximately $1.4 billion for its coffers to date. Further information on how these funds will be allocated within the state is to be published on the state's Opioid Settlements Initiative website.
Attorney General Raoul also emphasizes the ongoing resources available for those struggling with addiction. He urges affected individuals or their loved ones to contact the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances by calling 833-2FINDHELP. Offering 24/7 assistance, this helpline represents a beacon of support in the fight against an opioid crisis that, undoubtedly, has exacted a heavy toll on too many lives.
